West Ham United striker Michail Antonio has spoken publicly for the first time since being involved in a life-threatening car accident, which left him hospitalized for more than three weeks.
Antonio crashed into a tree while driving in Essex on December 7 and was airlifted to a hospital in London, where he underwent surgery on a broken leg the following day. The player spent Christmas receiving treatment and under observation, but he was… He was finally discharged on New Year's Eve.
Now, Antonio has taken a moment to thank those who have supported and helped him, as well as expressing his newfound gratitude for life amidst his ordeal.
“Every year at this time, I'm asked what I'm grateful for, and every year I struggle to find the right words. But this year, I know exactly what I'm grateful for: to be alive.” He said in a statement he published The official website of West Ham.
“I want to take a moment to acknowledge something I've realized – I've spent many years taking life for granted. I've made plans for the next day, next year, assuming that tomorrow is always guaranteed. I've seen close friends die, witnessed others face near-death experiences, and even Back then, I didn't fully understand how valuable life was.
“What I've been through recently has opened my eyes. Life is fragile, and every moment matters. I'm so grateful to God for giving me the strength to keep going and for allowing me to stay here.”
“To the emergency services, the NHS, the air ambulance, everyone at the Royal London Infirmaries and Cromwell Hospitals and everyone from top to bottom in West Ham United Club. The medical team, the board, all the staff, my teammates and the amazing West Ham fans… I honestly wouldn't have been able to get through this without you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. To my loved ones who have stood by my side through everything, I cannot express how much you care about me.
“Finally, to the entire football community, thank you for all the love and support you have shown me. It has truly meant the world. I love you all and am endlessly grateful to each and every one of you.
“Happy New Year – and I'll be back on this field soon.”
West Ham raised nearly £60,000 to donate to NHS and Air Ambulance charities in honor of the treatment Antonio received, auctioning off match-worn shirts and then matching the amount.