WEST Ham’s Michail Antonio was trapped in his Ferrari for 45 minutes after a horror car crash today.
The footballer, 34, was airlifted to a London hospital after his £260,000 Ferrari FF smashed into trees in Epping, Essex, at around 12.50pm.
Ex-wife Debbie travelled from her home in Manchester to be at his bedside.
A source told The Sun on Sunday: “He is in a serious condition.
“He is conscious and communicating but everyone at the club is very worried. We are all just praying he gets through this.”
Onlookers reported grey smoke pouring from the car which crashed in Theydon Bois, Essex — close to the home of West Ham owner David Sullivan.
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One said: “There were other cars stopped and people were on their phones calling 999.
“It was awful weather, rain, wind and very slippery on the road. It didn’t look like another car was involved.
“It looked like it had spun out of control.
“I only found out later who he was. I hope he’s OK.”
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A motorist who passed the scene added: “The right wing was ripped off, as well as the right front wheel and driver’s door.
“I could see firefighters had to cut away parts of the car to get him out. It looked like he had some face injuries.”
Another source also claimed the footballer’s legs had been “shattered” in the crash.
Horrific photographs from the scene show the shocking aftermath.
Michail’s silver Ferrari lay at the side of the road on the verge of surrounding woodland.
There appeared to be extensive damage to the front, driver’s side, with the windshield crumpled.
Pictures revealed only the back of the car remained in tact.
In an update on X, the club confirmed Michail is in a “stable condition” and remains in hospital after the single vehicle collision.
The dad-of-four is “under close supervision” but is “conscious and communicating”.
“West Ham United can confirm that Michail Antonio is in a stable condition following a road traffic accident this afternoon in the Essex area,” the club wrote on social media.
“Michail is conscious and communicating and is currently under close supervision at a central London hospital.
“At this difficult time, we kindly ask everyone to respect the privacy of Michail and his family.
“The Club will make no further comment this evening, but will issue a further update in due course.”
They shared earlier: “West Ham United can confirm striker Michail Antonio has today been involved in a road traffic accident.
“The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the Club are with Michail, his family and friends at this time.
“The Club will issue an update in due course.”
Michail has been at West Ham United since 2015 and played in a range of positions including right back, right midfielder, and as a winger.
Eventually, he established himself as the club’s main striker and on 23 August 2021 he became West Ham’s top scorer in the Premier League.
Fans on X were quick to send their best wishes and prayers following the latest update.
One said: “Amazing news. Here’s to speedy recovery Michail take all the time you need.”
Another added: “Good news! Glad to hear this.”
A third said: “Wishing Michail Antonio a speedy recovery. Glad to hear he’s in stable condition.
“Thoughts are with him and his family during this difficult time. Hoping for a full and quick recovery.”
A spokesperson for Essex Police said: “Officers investigating a serious collision in Epping are asking for witnesses and dash cam footage.
“We were called shortly after 12.50pm on Saturday 7 December to Coppice Row, Epping, following reports of what is believed to be a single vehicle collision involving a Ferrari.
“Emergency services attended and the driver has been taken to hospital.
“The vehicle has been recovered and we are no longer on scene.
“An investigation will be carried out by our Roads Policing Unit.
“If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us.
“Please quote incident 605 of 7 December when providing any information to make sure it gets to the right person as quickly as possible.
“Alternatively, please email the investigating officer, PS Mark Hewitt.”
An Essex Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson added: “Crews were called to High Road, Epping, at 1.02pm this afternoon after reports of a road traffic collision involving one car.
“On arrival firefighters reported that a man was trapped in his car and worked to release him by 1.45pm.
“The casualty was left in the care of the Ambulance Service.”
Michail previously opened up about a car accident on Christmas Day in 2019 when the footballer ploughed his £210,000 Lamborghini into a south London garden while dressed as a snowman.
“This conversation is very like… (touches chest),” He told the On The Judy podcast previously. “Still to this day it’s hurt me.
“Basically yeah, slippery road. Obviously, in the car, it holds corners nicely in it so I’m going like 30, maybe 35, on a 30 road.
“It holds corners so I’m thinking I don’t even need to break, I’m just gonna go around the corner, sick car.
“As I’m going round the corner, it skids. So I s*** myself and I slam on the breaks.
“Worst thing you can do on ice, yeah, slam on the brakes cause you just speed up. Slam on the brakes, just skid but I’ve just gone up the curb.
“I don’t even remember it and then I’m seeing smoke coming out the front of the car.”
Antonio has made 15 appearances this season and scored once.
He is the club’s all-time Premier League top goal scorer, with 68 goals.
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The forward joined the club in 2015 from Nottingham Forest and was named as the club’s Player of the Year in 2017.
West Ham face Wolves in their next Premier League match tomorrow night.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
