West Ham United striker Michail Antonio released an emotional statement on New Year’s Eve, shortly after being released from hospital.
The 34-year-old was in hospital for 24 days after a horror car crash which left him fearing for his life.
On December 7, Antonio had to be extricated from his £260,000 Ferrari after leaving the road near Theydon Bois in Essex.
In the accident, which happened in Epping Forest, he ended up in his passenger seat and was trapped for more than 45 minutes while firefighters tried to free him.
Antonio was driving home from West Ham’s Rush Green training ground ahead of their Premier League match against Wolves when he collided with a tree.
He required surgery and still has a broken leg, but Antonio was very positive when he said in a statement posted via Instagram that he was “grateful” to be alive. The statement was accompanied by a photo of Antonio smiling while holding a pair of crutches.
Michail Antonio, pictured on crutches on New Year’s Eve, has said he is grateful to be alive.
Antonio needed surgery for a broken leg after his Ferrari crashed into a tree on December 7
“Every year around this time, I am asked what I am grateful for, and each year I have struggled to find the right words,” the statement began.
‘But this year I know exactly what I’m grateful for: being alive.
‘I want to take a moment to acknowledge something I’ve realized: I’ve spent many years taking life for granted. I made plans for the next day, the next year, always assuming that tomorrow was guaranteed.
‘I’ve seen close friends pass away, I’ve witnessed others face near-death experiences, and even then, I didn’t fully understand how precious life is.
‘What I’ve been through recently has opened my eyes. Life is fragile and every moment matters.
‘I am very grateful to God for giving me the strength to move forward and for allowing me to still be here.
‘To the emergency services, the NHS, the air ambulance, everyone at the Royal London and Cromwell hospitals and everyone, from top to bottom, at West Ham United FC. The medical team, the board, all the staff, my team-mates and the incredible West Ham fans… I honestly couldn’t have got through this without you. thank you from the bottom of my heart.
‘To my loved ones who were by my side at all times, I cannot express how much you mean to me.
‘Finally, to the entire football community, thank you for all the love and support you have shown me. It really has meant the world. I love you all and I am infinitely grateful for each of you.”
Antonio is not expected to play again for West Ham before the end of the season.
However, he ended his statement by telling fans: “Happy New Year and I’ll be back on that field soon.”