‘100 per cent I will be back’ – Huge future vow from Michail Antonio as West Ham star continues recovery from horror car crash

The Jamaica international was lucky to escape with his life after seeing his Ferrari FF collide with a tree in December 2024. He had to be cut from the wreckage of his vehicle before being airlifted to hospital and undergoing surgery on a lower leg fracture.

Questions were inevitably asked of whether the 34-year-old would ever play again. There were early suggestions that it would take at least 12 months for Antonio to make a full recovery and put himself in a position to resume his professional career.

Antonio is convinced that he will figure in another competitive fixture, telling BBC Morning Live: “I'm 100 per cent I will be back on the pitch. This is what I focus on, this is why I'm in six days a week. Mentally, I believe so too because I never give up. I'm always focused, I'm always pushing myself. This is just another setback and this is not going to stop me.”

Antonio has already started a light training regime, while West Ham fans gave him a rousing reception when attending their recent Premier League clash with Newcastle. A lengthy rehabilitation programme still needs to be completed, but there is cause for optimism.

Hammers boss Graham Potter has refused to put a timescale on when Antonio could come back into contention, with no pressure being put on the experienced forward. His contract in east London is due to expire this summer, but a short-term extension has been speculated on.