Football Star Opens Up About Shattered Leg, Surgery, and Determination to Return to the Pitch
West Ham United striker Michail Antonio has shared an emotional account of the serious car accident that left him with a shattered leg and sparked widespread concern among fans. The 34-year-old, who visited the scrapyard to see the remains of his wrecked car, described the experience as a stark reminder of how close he came to losing his life.
The incident occurred on December 7 in Epping, Essex, when Antonio’s car crashed under circumstances he still cannot recall. Photos of the mangled vehicle quickly circulated online, prompting an outpouring of support for the footballer. Emergency services responded swiftly, freeing Antonio from the wreckage and rushing him to a central London hospital, where he underwent surgery for a fractured femur.
Speaking on BBC One’s Morning Live, Antonio revealed the harrowing details of the accident and his recovery. “It’s weird because I was told I was awake and speaking to everyone—the police, the people who found me. But I have no memory of it,” he said. “My leg was completely shattered. They got me out, put a splint on it by the side of the car, and tried to airlift me, but the storm grounded the helicopter. I was driven to the hospital instead.”
Visiting the scrapyard to see his car for the first time since the crash was an emotional moment for Antonio. “It gave me a weird feeling in my stomach,” he admitted. “It made me realize how close I was to dying. I had seen the pictures, but it was 10 times worse in person. The car was an absolute mess. It was difficult for me to process.”
Antonio spent three weeks in the hospital before being discharged. His recovery has been a challenging journey, with doctors initially advising him not to put any weight on his leg for three months. However, a second specialist recommended a more aggressive approach, encouraging him to gradually increase weight-bearing over three weeks.
“I shattered my femur in four places,” Antonio explained. “They put a pole in my thigh with four bolts to knit it back together. I’ve been working hard, and now I’m walking again. The doctors say it will take six to 12 months for my leg to heal properly, but I’m already two to three months ahead of schedule.”
Despite the severity of his injury, Antonio remains determined to return to football. As West Ham’s all-time leading Premier League scorer with 68 goals in 268 appearances, he has no plans to retire. “Yes, 100%. I will play again,” he declared. “That’s what I’m focused on. It’s a horrendous accident and a massive injury, but I’ve always stayed positive. I know I’ll get back to where I was.”
Antonio’s resilience and optimism have inspired fans and teammates alike. As he continues his recovery, the football world eagerly awaits his return to the pitch, where his talent and determination have made him a beloved figure.
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