West Ham issue Michail Antonio statement and confirm seven players will leave
West Ham have confirmed that they are yet to make a decision on Michail Antonio's future following his horror car crash. The striker has been sidelined since December after crashing his Ferrari in Essex.
But with Antonio's deal set to expire in the summer, the Hammers have offered clarification. A statement from the Hammers on Monday read: "Given Michail Antonio's unique situation, following his serious road traffic accident in December 2024, there will be no formal decision and announcement on his future until such time that it is considered right and appropriate.
"However, as his current contract is also due to expire on 30 June, for the purposes of the Premier League Retained List procedure at the end of the 2024/25 season, Michail will be listed as a free transfer.
"As a long-serving, highly-respected player, and a much-loved member of the West Ham family, the Club's absolute priority at this time is to support Michail personally in his journey to resume playing at the highest level."
Antonio recently released a video documenting his gruelling recovery from the broken leg that he sustained in the crash. A video appeared on his Instagram account with the caption: "Faith will overcome all challenges".
It showed the Jamaica international learning to walk again, his emotional return to the London Stadium, as well as his reunions with teammates in hospital and in training.
A number of his colleagues have replied to the update. Tomas Soucek replied with three heart emojis, while Vladimir Coufal wrote: "Respect brother". Ex-West Ham captain and current Arsenal star Declan Rice also replied as he wrote: "Monster."
The update comes just a month after Antonio vowed to return to the pitch. "Yes, 100 per cent. I will play again," he said. "It's the biggest injury I've ever had in my career.
"But the fact that I'm already two to three months ahead of where I should be, I know that I'll play again, and I know that once I'm playing the game I'll get the sharpness back.
"People have always doubted me. My mental strength is something that I've always believed in and this is just another setback, and it is not going to stop me."
Antonio, 35, has made 323 appearances for the club since his arrival from Nottingham Forest and scored 83 goals.
While a decision is pending over Antonio's future, the Premier League side have confirmed seven stars will depart over the coming month. Aaron Cresswell, Łukasz Fabiański, Vladimír Coufal, Danny Ings and Kurt Zouma are leaving, while youngsters Kamarai Swyer and Brad Dolaghan are set to bid farewell.
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