What Accident-survivor Michail Antonio said in his New Year message
West Ham striker Michail Antonio has shared an emotional message to celebrate the new year, after being discharged from the hospital following a serious car accident.
The 34-year-old spent three weeks in the hospital after undergoing surgery for a broken leg he sustained in a car crash in Epping, Essex. He was trapped in his Ferrari after the accident and had to be rescued before being taken to a London hospital.
Antonio is expected to be out of action for at least a year due to the injury, with his contract set to end at the end of this season. However, reports say West Ham is considering extending his contract based on his recovery progress.
In a touching post on Instagram, Antonio expressed how grateful he is to be alive and reflected on how fragile life can be. He thanked the emergency services, NHS staff, air ambulance crew, and the hospitals that treated him, as well as everyone at West Ham for their support, including teammates, staff, and fans.
Antonio wrote, “Every year around this time, I’m asked what I’m grateful for, and every year I’ve struggled to find the right words. But this year, I know exactly what I’m grateful for: being alive.”
He added, “I’ve spent so many years taking life for granted… What I’ve been through recently has opened my eyes. Life is fragile, and every single moment matters. I’m so grateful to God for giving me the strength to keep going and for allowing me to still be here.”
Michail Antonio ended his message with a promise: “Happy new year- and I’ll be back on that pitch soon.”
Despite the accident, Antonio has been an important part of the West Ham team, starting 11 of his 15 appearances this season.
