Michail Antonio is on a mission to prove himself at his new club after recovering from a life-threatening car accident. The 35-year-old was released by West Ham after breaking his leg in four places when he crashed his £260,000 Ferrari into a tree. But Antonio returned to professional football in June for Jamaica during the Gold Cup and has turned out for West Ham's U21s.
The former right-back, who is currently a TNT Sports pundit for the Community Shield, insisted his playing days are far from done. He said: “No, definitely not. I'm speaking to clubs right now to see where the best offer is for me to go, and we'll just see how it goes.”
Antonio also let slip that one of the aims of his next club would be the opportunity to give himself the best chance of playing in the World Cup. The Reggae Boyz, whose only appearance at the finals came in 1998, have appointed Steve McClaren as manager in a bid to reach the tournament in America next summer.
“Indeed, 100 per cent. That's one thing I've not managed to achieve for myself, to be playing in the World Cup, and Jamaica are very close to it,” Antonio said. “It's not just that, I just wouldn't want my career to come to an end by a car crash, literally. So I've got something to prove to show that I can come back, I can come back and play well, which I was doing for the last ten years.”
Antonio also made a plea to West Ham fans to accept his close friend and replacement at the London Stadium, Callum Wilson. Wilson faced a backlash from West Ham fans over his arrival at the club, but Antonio said: “He's a good friend of mine, and he is a quality player, all you need to do is try and keep him fierce. If we keep him fit, he will guarantee to bring goals to the club. So just back the boy and he's come from me.”
