West Ham United footballer Michail Antonio says he is grateful to be alive after a horror crash in Essex left him severely injured in hospital. The Premier League footballer has spent several weeks receiving treatment after a crash near Theydon Bois.
The striker, 34, was rushed to hospital after the serious crash on December 7. Football fans feared the worst after images circulated on social media, but he was ‘conscious and communicating’ shortly afterwards when receiving treatment at a London hospital.
Antonio had been able to speak to his Irons’ team-mates via a video call from his hospital bed and was also later visited by the squad and manager Julen Lopetegui. His colleagues wore ‘Antonio 9’ shirts while warming up and before kick-off with the kit signed by players and auctioned for charities.
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Speaking for the first time since he was rushed to hospital, Antonio said on Instagram: “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.
“I want to take a moment to acknowledge something I’ve come to realise—I’ve spent so many years taking life for granted. I made plans for the next day, the next year, always assuming tomorrow was guaranteed. I’ve seen close friends pass away, witnessed others face near-death experiences, and even then, I didn’t fully grasp just how precious life is.
“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.
“To the emergency services, the NHS, The Air Ambulance, everyone at the Royal London and Cromwell hospitals and everyone from top to bottom at West Ham United FC. The medical team, The board, all of the staff, my team mates and the amazing West Ham fans… I honestly could not have got through this without you. thank you from the bottom of my heart. To my loved ones who stood by my side throughout everything, I can’t express how much you mean to me.
“Lastly, to the whole football community thank you for all the love and support you’ve shown me. It has truly meant the world. I love you all and I am endlessly grateful for every one of you. Happy new year- and I’ll be back on that pitch soon.”
Proceeds of close to £60,000 will be donated to the charities by the club, with the board having matched the amount raised from the auction of the signed shirts. A statement from West Ham read: “Everyone at the club would like to reiterate their heartfelt thanks to the first responders, emergency services, air ambulance staff and the NHS for the incredible support given to Michail in the wake of the accident.”