Michail Antonio admits he came close to dying in horror car crash as West Ham star reveals he shattered leg in four different places - but striker strongly denies he was under influence of drink or drugs

The Jamaica international had a near-death experience last year when his Ferrari FF collided with a tree. Antonio had to be cut from the wreckage of his vehicle before being airlifted to hospital and undergoing surgery on a lower-leg fracture. After the initial photographs of his car wreckage went viral on social media, people initially wondered whether the player had survived. The record West Ham goal-scorer has now opened up about his terrifying experience.

In an interview with BBC Sport, the 34-year-old said: "The police came and when they found me I was in between the two seats. I wasn't actually in the driver's seat. They said it looked like I was trying to climb out of the window, but because my leg was so badly broken the pain probably stopped me from being able to get out."

When asked what he remembers from the accident, Antonio replied: "Nothing. It's weird, because the whole way through this, I have been told that I was awake and was speaking to everybody - the police, the people, and the person who found me. My leg was completely shattered and they got me out and put a splint on it by the side of the car. Everyone believed I got an air ambulance out, but the helicopter couldn't get off the ground because of the storm, so I was driven to the hospital.

"It gave me a weird feeling in my stomach. It just made me realise how close I was to dying. I had seen the pictures but it was 10 times worse in person. The car was an absolute mess. It was difficult for me."

The player also described the extent of his injuries as he added: "I shattered my femur bone in four different places. I had one single keyhole surgery. They put a pole in my thigh with four bolts, so screws and bolts to knit it back together.

"My first surgeon said he didn't want me to put any weight on my leg for three months, which is around about now, and you can see that I am walking. We got a second specialist who said I needed to start putting weight on it, increasing from 10% up to 100% within three weeks. But I kept my crutches for a further two weeks. Overall, they say it will be between six to 12 months before my leg starts healing properly."

There was speculation over whether Antonio was under the influence of any drugs or alcohol at the time of the incident, but the player has set the record straight by saying: "I was travelling back from training and, anyway, I've never taken drugs in my life. I've said I like a drink. But in this situation, there were no drugs, there was no drink. That's been ruled out and confirmed by the police."

Despite the accident, the veteran attacker has vowed to return to the pitch and play at the highest level once again. While Antonio recovers from his injuries, the Hammers will be next seen in action on April 1 when they take on Wolves in the Premier League.