WEST HAM star Michail Antonio has announced his dad has tragically passed away after seven years in and out of hospital due to illness.
The 30-year-old revealed he will be taking a break from social media as he urged his followers to pray for him and his family.
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Michail Antonio has announced on social media that his dad has sadly passed away
Taking to his Instagram story, he said: “Over the last 7 years, my dad has been ill.
“In and out of hospital and now his life has come to its end.
“I’ve been getting messages and I’ve been getting phone calls so I just want to put this out and say I’m not going to be responding to people much or posting anything on Instagram until I feel like I’m ready to again.
“I want all of you to put my family in my prayers.”
Antonio has been sent numerous messages of support on social media, as one user tweeted: “Thoughts and prayers go out to @Michailantonio and his family after the recent passing of his father. Love you Mikey.”
Another said: “Thoughts are with @Michailantonio after the recent passing of his father. He would be so proud of you.”
A third added: “Heart goes out to @Michailantonio and his family at this difficult time. RIP.”
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Antonio – who has chipped in with two goals and two assists in 17 games in all competitions this season – recently lost a bet with Ryan Sessegnon that caused him to wear a Tottenham shirt.
Speaking after his 2-0 defeat on Fifa, he joked: “I’m really disappointed in myself. I want to say sorry to all the West Ham fans out there who watched me play. It was embarrassing. I am better than that. I don’t even know what to say.
“I can’t look at my son. I almost lied to him [about the score]. I’m going to be better next time. There’s going to be a next time and I will be better. I’m going to do some serious training now.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk