West Ham forward Michail Antonio has opened up about a harrowing car crash he experienced, admitting that he was "close to dying" in the accident that left him with a severely broken leg. The incident, which took place in early December during a storm, saw Antonio's Ferrari crash into a tree. He described the chilling scene, recalling that when emergency services arrived, he was found wedged between the seats and unable to exit the vehicle due to the intense pain from his injury.

Antonio spent over three weeks in the hospital recovering from the crash, where he underwent surgery to repair his shattered femur. Despite the severity of his injury, he remains optimistic about returning to football at a high level. "I will play again," he stated confidently, emphasizing that he feels he has been given "another chance at life." The 34-year-old has committed to his recovery, working diligently to regain fitness and strength, aiming to overcome the mental and physical challenges posed by such a significant injury.

Reflecting on the emotional impact of the crash, Antonio expressed gratitude for the support he received from West Ham, his teammates, and fans. He acknowledged the fear of not being there for his six children, which has given him a renewed perspective on life. While he has decided to stay away from fast cars for the time being, he remains focused on his rehabilitation and is determined to return to the pitch, fueled by a desire to prove his doubters wrong and continue his football career.