Maxwel Cornet sends message to Michail Antonio as West Ham exit talks underway
West Ham forward Michail Antonio made his long-awaited return to football with Jamaica on Tuesday.
The 35-year-old hasn’t featured for the Hammers since early December 2024 after being involved in a devastating car crash midway through the campaign.
Now, the versatile forward has finally featured in a match, while his contract situation at the London Stadium hangs in the balance.
East London teammate Maxwel Cornet is in a similar position this summer and has reacted to Antonio’s comeback in perfect fashion.
Cornet shares an inspirational message to Antonio at West Ham
The Ivory Coast international has seriously struggled for minutes in E20 ever since moving as a highly anticipated signing under David Moyes.
This has seen him depart on two separate loans, where he’s made just 11 combined appearances in the past 12 months.
As a result, it is little surprise that the Irons are looking to move the winger on, on a permanent basis in the transfer window.
| Stat | Genoa | Southampton |
| Appearances | 7 | 4 |
| Goals | 2 | 0 |
| Assists | 1 | 0 |
This has seen Genoa linked with a move to make Cornet’s loan deal permanent, although his wage demands may represent an issue [Repubblica, 10 June].
With that being said, it is clear that the ex-Burnley man is still backing Antonio, sharing an emotional message of support after the striker returned to playing action with Jamaica.
Taking to his Instagram story (17 June), he said: “Less than one year and he is back on the pitch. The beast is not just a nickname, big bro. More to come.”
Antonio could still leave West Ham after Jamaica return
There is no one associated with the Hammers who won’t be delighted to see the forward return after more than six months away.
That may be the case, but that doesn’t impact how frustrated some supporters are with Antonio’s reluctance to sign a new West Ham deal.
This could see the former Nottingham Forest man depart after 10 years in claret and blue, once returning to first-team action after a lengthy injury issue.
It will certainly be interesting to see where the Jamaican’s future lies under Graham Potter and whether he will stick around.