West Ham striker Michail Antonio has shared the first photo of himself following a horrific car crash, along with chilling memories of the incident that nearly cost him his life in December 2024.
A Devastating Night on the Road
Antonio, 34, was driving home from a training session when his £260,000 grey Ferrari lost control and crashed into a tree in Essex.
The accident left him trapped in the wreckage for over 45 minutes, with emergency crews working tirelessly to free him.
He was rushed to the hospital with a shattered leg, marking the beginning of a long and painful recovery journey.
The Haunting Conditions Leading to the Crash
Recalling the night of the accident, Antonio described the weather as “windy, wet, and horrific.”
The UK’s Met Office had issued warnings due to Storm Darragh, making road conditions extremely dangerous.
“The back of the car kept swinging out on me, so I didn’t feel safe,” he admitted.
“I had the Ferrari for only three weeks, and I was already considering giving it back.”
Trapped and Disoriented
Speaking on BBC’s Morning Live, Antonio shared how he was found in a position that confused even the police.
“When they got to me, I wasn’t even in the driver’s seat—I was in between the two seats.
They said it looked like I was trying to climb out of the window, but the pain from my broken leg stopped me.”
Despite being told he was awake and speaking throughout the ordeal, Antonio has no memory of the crash.
“It’s bizarre because I’ve been told I was conscious, talking to the police and people around me, but I don’t remember a thing.”
Emergency Response and Recovery
Contrary to initial reports, Antonio was not airlifted to the hospital.
“Everyone thought I was flown out, but the storm was so bad the helicopter couldn’t take off. I was driven to the hospital instead.”
Doctors immediately placed his leg in a splint, and he was hospitalized for 24 days.
The initial prognosis suggested a year-long recovery, but Antonio’s determination and medical interventions have accelerated his progress.
The Emotional Toll and Road to Healing
Reflecting on the aftermath, Antonio admitted that seeing images of his wrecked car left him shaken.
“It gave me a weird feeling in my stomach. When I saw the pictures, I realized just how close I was to dying.
The car was an absolute mess. It was difficult for me.”
Since the accident, Antonio has become more in touch with his emotions and credits therapy as a crucial part of his recovery.
“I’ve been more emotional than ever, but I see it as a good thing. Therapy has been one of the best things to happen to me.”
Looking Ahead: Football and Future Plans
Despite the severity of his injury, Antonio remains optimistic about his return to football.
“Will I be back on the pitch? Yes, 100 percent.”
His contract with West Ham is set to expire in the summer of 2025, and his future at the London Stadium remains uncertain.
However, he has high hopes of representing Jamaica in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers in September.
The Long Road to Full Recovery
Antonio underwent keyhole surgery to repair his femur, which had shattered in four places.
A metal rod and screws were inserted to stabilize the bone.
While his first doctor advised him not to put weight on his leg for three months, a second specialist encouraged gradual weight-bearing exercises.
“I started with 10 percent weight on my leg, increasing to 100 percent in three weeks,” he explained.
“I kept my crutches for another two weeks. The full healing process is expected to take six to twelve months.”
With determination and professional support, Antonio is pushing through his recovery, proving that resilience and perseverance can turn even the darkest moments into a comeback story worth watching.