Michail Antonio speaks out after new West Ham United exit developments
Michail Antonio has shared that he will “fight for his place” in the West Ham United team this season.
This comes after the striker has been linked with a London Stadium exit since the summer transfer window opened.
And now whilst speaking to the Hammers’ Official Website (31 July), the Jamaica international has seemingly confirmed where his future lies.
“To be fair, I like competition, but I also like playing every week,” he said. “I don’t like coming off the bench. Even at my age now, when people are saying I should just relish the chance to play in the Premier League, my attitude is completely different – I want to play every single week.
“So, whoever comes in, I’ll be up for the competition. I’m the number nine for a reason. You can come in and try to take my place but, even at my age now, I’m still going to fight for my place and keep going because I feel like I still have the ability and I don’t think my legs have gone or my ability has gone.
“If I get to the stage where I feel the standard of my performances is plummeting, I’ll take a back seat, but right now I still feel good. All I care about is knowing there is an equal opportunity, and if there is an equal opportunity then I’ll fight for my place.”
Michail Antonio needs to see his West Ham United form improve this season
There’s no denying that last season was one to forget for Antonio. The striker failed to break double figures in terms of goals scored and was carried by the likes of Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus.
Indeed, injuries need to be taken into account but this still doesn’t excuse not hitting ten goals as a number nine, this hasn’t stopped the 34-year-old from being linked with an exit as the Hammers have even turned down a £2million offer for him.
And whilst he has managed to contribute to 102 goals during the 308 games he’s played for the London-based club, his form has been slowly dropping off.
With this in mind, it’s hardly surprising that the likes of Tammy Abraham and Alexander Sorloth are being linked with a move to the London Stadium [Marca, 30 July, page 16] this transfer window.
Nothing is set in stone for either player just yet, it’s hard to see if either of the two arrives, and how they wouldn’t be given the first-team spot over Antonio.
Only time will tell what Julen Lopetegui decides to do this summer but this will certainly be one to keep an eye on.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers may have found their perfect Jean Clair-Todibo alternative.
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