West Ham fans gave Michail Antonio a heartwarming hero’s welcome upon his return to the club, marking his first appearance since a life-threatening car accident.
Just months after a terrifying Ferrari crash in December, the 34-year-old winger, who narrowly escaped death, made an emotional comeback.
Following the accident near Theydon Bois, Epping, where his £260,000 Ferrari spun off the road, Antonio was airlifted to a hospital.
He sustained a broken leg and multiple injuries, having been trapped in the wreckage for over an hour.
However, after an incredible recovery, Antonio was back at the London Stadium, watching Monday’s game against Newcastle from the stands.
Before the match began, the West Ham supporters in East London showered Antonio with a hero’s welcome and a standing ovation.
Despite initial concerns that his playing career might be over, Antonio has been undergoing light training in Dubai.
While there is no confirmed date for his return to playing, West Ham manager Graham Potter has suggested that the Jamaican player might feature again this season.
Antonio expressed his gratitude to the emergency services for saving his life in an Instagram post after being released from the hospital on New Year’s Eve.
In his message, he reflected on his near-death experience, stating that it opened his eyes to the fragility of life and expressed deep thankfulness to God, emergency services, NHS, Air Ambulance, Royal London and Cromwell hospitals, and everyone at West Ham United for their support during his recovery.
Marcus Bellamy