MICHAIL ANTONIO has made an emotional return to West Ham – just months after his horror car crash.
The 34-year-old winger cheated death in December following a terrifying Ferrari wreck.
Antonio was airlifted to hospital after his £260,000 Italian supercar spun off the road near Theydon Bois in Epping.
He suffered a broken leg and numerous other injuries after being trapped in the car for over an hour.
But after a remarkable recovery, the winger was back in the stands at the London Stadium for Monday’s clash with Newcastle.
Antonio – the club’s all-time Premier League goalscorer – was given a hero’s welcome by the Hammers faithful in East London.
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The forward was presented to the crowd moments before kick-off, with thunderous applause from all four corners of the ground.
An announcer over the PA said: “Exactly 3 months ago we were all willing him on to recover as he lay in a hospital bed.
“Since then he has shown the strength, resilience, and character that typifies the man.
“And tonight he is reunited with his West Ham family.
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“Please show your love and support for our all-time Premier League record goal scorer, our number 9.”
Antonio has recently been in light training in Dubai, despite initial fears he might never play again.
But there is no concrete date yet decided for his return to action.
Hammers boss Graham Potter has not ruled out the Jamaican playing again this season.
Potter said last month: “He’s recovering.
“He’s been in Dubai and it’s been good for him to get that work in.
“I wouldn’t want to put any time on [his return to playing] because it’s not fair on him.
“We just take it day-by-day and see.”
A grateful Antonio thanked emergency services for saving his life after he was discharged from hospital on New Year’s Eve.
I honestly could not have got through this without you.
Michail Antonio
He wrote on Instagram: “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.
“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.
“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.
“To the emergency services, the NHS, the Air Ambulance, everyone at the Royal London and Cromwell hospitals and everyone from top to bottom at West Ham United FC.
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“The medical team, the board, all of the staff, my teammates and the amazing West Ham fans.
“I honestly could not have got through this without you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
