West Ham striker Michail Antonio says he is “grateful” to be alive after sustaining a broken leg in a car accident.
Antonio, 34, was discharged from hospital on Tuesday, more than three weeks after undergoing surgery on a lower limb fracture following the crash.
The Jamaica international needed to be released from his car after becoming trapped during the incident on 7 December in Epping, Essex, and was taken to a central London hospital.
“Every year around this time, I’m asked what I’m grateful for, and every year I’ve struggled to find the right words. But this year, I know exactly what I’m grateful for: being alive,” Antonio wrote on Instagram.
His social media post included a photograph of himself standing with crutches.
“I’ve spent so many years taking life for granted. I made plans for the next day, the next year, always assuming tomorrow was guaranteed. I’ve seen close friends pass away, witnessed others face near-death experiences, and even then I didn’t fully grasp just how precious life is,” Antonio said.
“What I’ve been through recently has opened my eyes. Life is fragile, and every single moment matters. I’m so grateful to God for giving me the strength to keep going and for allowing me to still be here.”
Antonio is West Ham’s all-time leading scorer in the Premier League, with 68 goals in 268 league appearances.
He added: “I’ll be back on that pitch soon.”
Antonio also thanked the emergency and medical services that have supported him since the accident, along with the “whole football community”.
“Thank you for all the love and support you’ve shown me. It has truly meant the world. I love you all and I am endlessly grateful for every one of you,” he said.
The Hammers forward spoke to his team-mates via a video call before they earned an important 2-1 win over Wolves on 9 December, having worn ‘Antonio 9’ shirts before kick-off.
The club also thanked the services that supported Antonio and said it would donate “close to £60,000 to the NHS and Air Ambulances UK charities” after the shirts were sold at auction.
“Everyone at the club would like to reiterate their heartfelt thanks to the first responders, emergency services, air ambulance staff and the NHS for the incredible support given to Michail in the wake of the accident,” West Ham said on Tuesday.
