Michail Antonio shares ‘horrendous’ West Ham developments he has seen
Michail Antonio has broken his silence as he continues his recovery at West Ham United.
The striker has been unavailable for the Hammers since December after being involved in a car crash that left him with a broken leg.
The diagnosis was that he would miss the rest of the season and could face up to a year out with his injury being so bad.
In the meantime, West Ham have had a tricky time of things too, battling against relegation which led to Julen Lopetegui being replaced by Graham Potter.
Antonio shares West Ham struggles off the pitch
In what has been a difficult season for West Ham, Lopetegui found himself being dismissed from his job at the start of the new year.
While Antonio has been well supported by West Ham in his recovery and aiding that, the striker has admitted that Potter’s arrival was tough, knowing he couldn’t do anything.
Speaking to BBC Sport (17 March), Antonio said: “That was horrendous for me.
“I’m not gonna lie, it was one of the hardest things for me, the fact a new manager came in and I wasn’t there to show what I can do, with my contract up at the end of the season.
“It was difficult for me at the time, but the only thing I can focus on is me and making sure I am right.
“One thing I have had to realise is that it doesn’t matter and I can’t rush myself and put myself out there when I am not right because it would make things worse.
“If I rush myself then that will be the reason I didn’t get a contract. As long as I make sure I am right then I know I will have done everything I can.”
Antonio worth a new West Ham contract
You can understand why Antonio found the change in management hard because he had no idea how Potter would feel about him and at 34-years-old being unable to prove himself leaves question marks.
However, the player has certainly shown plenty of commitment to his recovery in East London having stepped up his training plan consistently.
Although he won’t make an appearance for the Hammers again this term, Antonio is said to be aiming for a return with Jamaica to help them with World Cup qualifiers which puts him far ahead in his timeline.
Over his time with the club, the 34-year-old has shown what he can do in Claret and Blue and the reception he got at West Ham before the game against Newcastle United shows he is a popular player.
| Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 323 | 83 | 38 |
With Niclas Fullkrug also injured this term and Evan Ferguson not having got off the mark yet, it’s uncertain where the Irons will turn in the summer as they look to strengthen at the top end of the pitch.
Therefore, offering Antonio another year on his deal would surely benefit all parties and the player himself can certainly relax and focus on his recovery if this is sorted.