Ferdinand, Lingard respond as Michail Antonio shares emotional West Ham message
Jesse Lingard and Anton Ferdinand were among those to send well-wishes as West Ham United forward Michail Antonio posted an emotional message on social media.
West Ham released a statement on Tuesday (31 December) sharing the latest on Antonio, who was involved in a road traffic collision earlier this month.
Antonio has now posted a message of his own on Instagram [31 December], thanking those who have helped him through his recovery so far and vowing to get back on the field one day.
“Every year around this time, I’m asked what I’m grateful for, and every year I’ve struggled to find the right words. But this year, I know exactly what I’m grateful for: being alive,” he said.
“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. Happy new year- and I’ll be back on that pitch soon.”
Lingard replied: “My bro”, while fellow former Hammer Ferdinand responded with two love heart emojis.
Michail Antonio latest at West Ham United
Anyone who saw the images of Antonio’s damaged vehicle immediately feared the absolute worst.
The updates that followed in the hours and days later provided hope, and it now appears Antonio is on the road back to recovery.
Returning to the field one day is his aim but, as he himself says on social media, simply being alive is a blessing.
West Ham are deliberating over offering Antonio a new deal [Sean Whetstone, 16 December] and, while emotion does have to be taken out of the decision, that would surely be the right thing to do.
Having Antonio around the club will only lift his team-mates, who could do with some sort of support right now on the back of the heavy Liverpool loss.
Antonio is arguably the most popular player in the dressing room, and is a massive fan favourite, so to see him out of hospital and on the mend brings a smile to the face.
The Jamaica international must take it step by step, however, and not rush his return to the training ground.
Whether it be months or even years – if at all – his comeback will certainly be a special occasion. Whether or not that happens in a West Ham shirt remains to be seen.
In other West Ham news, a talkSPORT pundit was called out for being a United employee in an on-air dispute.
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