LONDON, England, CMC – Jamaica and West Ham United ahead Michail Antonio is thanking his fortunate stars that he can see the yr 2025 as he expresses his gratitude to be alive after surviving a critical automobile accident that left him with a damaged leg.
The 34-year-old was discharged from the hospital on Tuesday, over three weeks after present process surgical procedure to deal with a decrease limb fracture sustained within the crash on December 7 in Epping, Essex.
Emergency companies needed to free Antonio from his automobile, after which he was transported to a central London hospital for remedy.
Reflecting on his ordeal, Antonio shared an emotional publish on Instagram, accompanied by a photograph of himself utilizing crutches.
“Yearly round this time, I’m requested what I’m grateful for, and I’ve struggled to seek out the suitable phrases yearly. However I do know precisely what I’m grateful for this yr: being alive.”
Antonio, West Ham’s all-time main Premier League scorer with 68 objectives in 268 appearances, spoke candidly about how the expertise has modified his perspective on life.
“I’ve spent so a few years taking life without any consideration, planning for tomorrow and the years forward as if they had been assured. However what I’ve been by way of lately has opened my eyes. Life is fragile, and each single second issues.”
He credited divine intervention along with his survival, saying, “I’m so grateful to God for giving me the power to maintain going and for permitting me to nonetheless be right here.”
Antonio additionally took the chance to thank emergency responders, medical employees, and the soccer group for his or her unwavering assist.
“The love and care I’ve obtained has meant the world. I’m endlessly grateful for each single one in every of you.”
Regardless of his harm, Antonio’s connection to his group remained robust. The striker spoke to his teammates by way of video name forward of their 2-1 victory over Wolves on December 9. In solidarity, the gamers wore warm-up shirts bearing “Antonio 9” earlier than kick-off.
West Ham United additionally appreciated the emergency companies that aided Antonio, auctioning the commemorative shirts and pledging practically £60,000 to NHS and Air Ambulances UK charities.
Antonio concluded his publish with hope, saying, “I’ll be again on that pitch quickly.”
