West Ham forward Michail Antonio has been discharged from hospital, more than three weeks after crashing his car.

The accident on 7 December hospitalised Antonio, who later underwent surgery on a broken leg.

The Jamaica international needed to be released from his vehicle after getting trapped during the incident in Essex, sparking great concern among fans. To their relief, it was soon confirmed that Antonio was in a stable condition.

On 9 December, the 34-year-old spoke to his West Ham teammates on a video call ahead of their Premier League win against Wolves.

Also before the game, his teammates sported shirts with Antonio’s name on the back. The club announced those shirts would be signed and auctioned, with “close to £60,000” in proceeds to be donated to the NHS and Air Ambulances UK charities.

Before the win over Wolves, West Ham captain Bowen told Sky Sports: “It’s been one of those things you never thought you’d be involved in. Mic has been here longer than I have. Everyone loves him, he’s a big character in here.

“Those few hours on Saturday was difficult when we got the news and we were waiting for the news. He’s not just a teammate, he’s a friend of ours for many years, a dad as well to beautiful children.

“You see the support. I want to say thank you for the support from everyone, as captain. I’ve seen all the messages, and it’s one of those times where life was bigger than football. Everyone came together. For me, I truly appreciate that.

Michail Antonio is West Ham’s all-time leading goalscorer in the Premier League (PA Archive)Michail Antonio is West Ham’s all-time leading goalscorer in the Premier League (PA Archive)

Michail Antonio is West Ham’s all-time leading goalscorer in the Premier League (PA Archive)

“The good thing is Mic is safe, and he’s here to tell the story. Mic’s a warrior, Mic’s a fighter, he has been through his career. So he will be back stronger from this.”

Meanwhile, coach Julen Lopetegui said: “It has been very tough for all of us, but much more for him and his family. Fortunately he was a miracle, looking at the pictures of the car.

West Ham players showing support to their teammate after his car accident (PA Wire)West Ham players showing support to their teammate after his car accident (PA Wire)

West Ham players showing support to their teammate after his car accident (PA Wire)

“There are more important things [than football]: the dad, the brother, the son that he is. This is more important about Mic. We are happy because he has overcome the surgery. After, let’s see.”

Antonio is West Ham’s all-time leading scorer in the Premier League with 68 goals from 268 games.



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