Michail Antonio makes ‘weird’ transfer admission as he aims to beat Mark Noble record at West Ham United
Michail Antonio has revealed that there has only been one transfer window where he hasn’t been linked with a move away from West Ham.
Speaking to The Guardian on Saturday (21 October), the Jamaican international said it has been “quite weird” as he has had to “prove himself” every year before each manager he’s worked under has started to use him.
The 33-year-old forward added that he is looking to chase down Mark Noble’s club record of registering 35 assists in the Premier League after already making 31 himself and believes he has a “good legacy” at the London Stadium.
“There has been only one transfer window where I haven’t been linked away in the years I have been here,” said Antonio. “So it has been quite weird because every single year I have had to prove myself again. Every manager sees the positives I can bring to the team and ends up starting to use me.
“I’ve got a list of accolades I’m trying to hit. I’ve definitely got a good legacy here.”
Underrated
There is no doubt that Antonio has largely split the opinion amongst West Ham fans over the years, but there is a real argument that he is underrated for his time in East London.
The forward was the first player to score for the Hammers at the London Stadium, he’s the club’s highest goalscorer in the Premier League on 63 and now he’s not far off creating the most assists.
After all the superb players that have played for the Irons, he is the one that has remained loyal and built up a legacy over a number of years, so he deserves credit for that.
It does feel like managers have tried to replace him just about every year, but nothing has ever worked and he remains the focal point of our attack.
It sounds as though he also wants to be at the club for as long as possible, so you have to admire his commitment even if he can be frustrating at times.
In other West Ham news, a Lucas Paqueta recall update has emerged amid the allegations aimed at him.