West Ham United striker Michail Antonio posted an emotional statement on New Year’s Eve shortly after being released from hospital.
The 34-year-old had been in hospital for 24 days following a horrific car accident that left him fearing for his life.
On December 7, Antonio had to be extracted from his £260,000 Ferrari after careering off the road near Theydon Bois in Essex.
The crash, which occurred in Epping Forest, saw him end up in his passenger seat and he was trapped for more than 45 minutes while fire crews attempted to free him.
Antonio had been driving home from West Ham’s Rush Green training ground ahead of their Premier League match against Wolves when he collided with a tree.
He required surgery and still has a broken leg, but Antonio sounded very positive when he said in a statement posted via Instagram that he was ‘grateful’ to be alive. The statement was accompanied by a photo of Antonio smiling while holding a pair of crutches.
Michail Antonio, pictured on crutches on New Year’s Eve, has said he is grateful to be alive
Antonio needed surgery on a broken leg after his Ferrari collided with a tree on December 7
‘Every year around this time, I’m asked what I’m grateful for, and every year I’ve struggled to find the right words,’ the statement began.
‘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.’
Antonio is not expected to feature in the Premier League again before the end of the season.
However, he ended his statement by telling fans: ‘Happy new year – and I’ll be back on that pitch soon.’
It is unclear whether he will ever play for West Ham again, though, as his current contract with the Hammers is due to expire on June 30.
