'We feared he was leaving us' - West Ham's reaction to Michail Antonio's horror car crash revealed by ex-manager Julen Lopetegui

The Jamaica international forward was involved in a horror road traffic accident on December 7. His Ferrari was written off after colliding with a tree, leaving Antonio having to be cut from wreckage before being airlifted to hospital.

The 34-year-old forward concedes that he is lucky to be alive. He has undergone surgery on a lower leg fracture and has been training again in Dubai as he looks to work his way back to full fitness. That process could take up to 12 months.

Lopetegui was West Ham manager at the time of the incident and admits that those inside the club feared the worst after learning how severe the accident had been. The Spanish coach told The Guardian: "We feared he was leaving us."

Antonio was one of several issues that ex-Real Madrid coach Lopetegui had to contend with during his short reign at the London Stadium. He also saw Brazilian playmaker Lucas Paqueta face accusations of breaching gambling regulations, but said of the South American: "He handled it very well; we were pleased with his commitment."

Lopetegui was relieved of his duties on January 8, having taken in just 22 as Hammers boss, with the reins being passed to Graham Potter. He believes that he should have been given more time in which to get things right, but is now waiting on offers that will see him return to the dugout.