1 week ago
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WEST HAM players will pay tribute to team-mate Michail Antonio before the match with Wolves after his terrifying car crash.
The Hammers host Gary O’Neil’s side tonight at the London Stadium, just two days after the horrible incident.
West Ham will pay tribute to Michail Antonio before the match with WolvesGetty
Antonio had a terrible car accident on Saturday that led to surgerySteve Bell
West Ham players will don special Antonio shirts before the game with WolvesWest Ham UnitedAntonio, 34, had a miraculous escape as he had to be cut free from his £260,000 Ferrari FF which was ripped apart when it hit a tree in Theydon Bois, Essex, on Saturday.
The versatile forward was trapped for almost an hour in the mangled wreckage before being airlifted from the scene.
Last night the Jamaica international was recovering from surgery on a lower limb fracture in a London hospital.
The incident left the entire Premier League in a state of shock, especially the West Ham family.
That is why the players will warm-up in special “Antonio 9” shirts, as well as walking out in tops adorning his name.
The East Londoners will then auction off the walk-out tops with each one signed by every member of the squad, including Antonio.
Every match-worn shirt from the Wolves fixture will also be auctioned, each signed by the respective player.
All proceeds from the auction will be split between the NHS and Air Ambulances UK Charity.
The club also confirmed that all proceeds will be matched by the board.
West Ham announced: “West Ham United’s players will show their support for teammate Michail Antonio at London Stadium on Monday evening, following his road traffic accident on Saturday.
“The Hammers striker underwent surgery on a lower limb fracture on Sunday, and is currently recovering in hospital. He remains in everyone’s thoughts as he continues his rehabilitation.
“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.”
Michail Antonio’s incredible rise
By Jon Boon
The outpouring of love from the football community for Michael Antonio has been massive, with the striker recognised as a big character in the game.
The Wandsworth-born forward started from humble beginnings – playing for non-league Tooting & Mitcham United.
After impressing in 2008, he was offered a trial at Reading – some five divisions up – and Alan Pardew duly snapped him up.
However, he later revealed he got kicked out by Tooting, after he refused to sign a contract.
Antonio said: “They kicked me out because I refused to sign a contract.
“I was like: ‘If someone comes in for me I don’t want to be tied down. I want to be able to go and not you out price me’.”
Following spells at Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest, in 2015 he was plucked from the Championship in a £7million deal by West Ham.
He’s been there ever since, winning a player of the year award, twice being named Premier League player of the month and lifting a European trophy.
Away from football, Antonio has bravely opened up about his mental health struggles in recent times.
The Jamaica international was recently asked by Gary Lineker on the Rest is Football podcast what he would like to do when he retires from the game.
He revealed: “I want to go into entertainment.
“So more on the basis of A League of Their Own, Play to the Whistle…”
Read more about Michail Antonio’s incredible rise and life away from the game.
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