Footballer Michail Antonio made his return to the professional sport for Jamaica for the first time since the horrific car crash in December 2024. Playing in the Gold Cup, Antonio came on as a substitute in the 85th minute amid Jamacia's narrow 1-0 defeat to Guatemala in California.
The 35-year-old was riding a Ferrari and it skidded off the road, striking a tree in Epping Forest on December 27, 2024. He sustained a broken leg due to the tragic crash, thereby shattering his femur bone in four places. As a result, Antonio had to undergo surgery and had a three-week stay in hospital.
Antonio, part of West Ham, has not returned to the club but they announced that helping him in full recovery is their top priority. With the veteran footballer's contract running out on June 30 itself, West Ham is yet to make a decision.
West Ham had offered Michail Antonio a short-term extension
Before the near-fatal incident, Antonio had sought a full-time extension but West Ham had offered only a short-term deal. Below is their statement:
"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."
