Jamaican international and West Ham United striker Michail Antonio is recovering after undergoing surgery on a lower limb fracture sustained in a horrific car crash on Saturday. The 34-year-old remains in a London hospital under close observation as he begins his recovery.
The football community was left in shock following the accident, which saw Antonio's Ferrari crushed in a woodland area near Theydon Bois, Essex. Images of the wrecked vehicle circulated widely, prompting an outpouring of concern and support from fans and fellow players.
In a statement released on Sunday, West Ham confirmed Antonio's surgery and expressed gratitude to those involved in his immediate care.
“West Ham United can confirm Michail Antonio has undergone surgery on a lower limb fracture following a road traffic accident on Saturday afternoon. Michail will continue to be monitored in hospital over the coming days," the statement read.
"Everyone at the Club wishes Michail a speedy recovery and wishes to express its sincere gratitude to the football family at large for the overwhelming support shown since yesterday’s news, as well as extending a heartfelt thank you to the emergency services and first responders who attended to Michail in the immediate aftermath of the incident, and the medical team who continue to aid him in his recovery. The Club will provide further updates when appropriate.”
Hours after the accident on Saturday, West Ham assured fans of Antonio's condition, stating he was "stable," "conscious," and communicating with medical staff.
The footballing world has since rallied around the player, with the Premier League issuing a statement of support: “The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the Premier League are also with Antonio, his family, friends, and all at West Ham.”
Match of the Day host Gary Lineker paused the show to acknowledge the accident, while former teammate Jobi McAnuff shared his well wishes on social media, saying, "Thoughts and prayers to Michail's family."
Jamaica Football Federation President Michael Ricketts and Reggae Boyz Head Coach Steve McClaren both offered words of encouragement to Antonio in the statement sent out by the federation on Saturday.
"On behalf of the entire group of players, support staff and technical staff, I would like to wish Michail a speedy recovery. Our thoughts and prayers are with him at this time,” McClaren said.
“On behalf of the entire Jamaica Football Federation family, I would like to wish Michail a safe and speedy recovery. At this point let us keep him in our prayers as he recovers,” Ricketts added.
This incident is not Antonio’s first car-related mishap. On Christmas Day in 2019, he famously crashed his Lamborghini into a garden while dressed as a snowman. Despite these incidents, Antonio has remained a vital figure at West Ham since joining in 2015, amassing 323 appearances and scoring 83 goals. His contributions were pivotal in the club’s historic UEFA Conference League victory in 2023.