Michail Antonio, the former forward for West Ham and Nottingham Forest, has recently made headlines not just for his football career but for a harrowing incident that nearly cost him his life. After a devastating car crash in December 2024, Antonio has emerged with a renewed perspective on life and his career.
Antonio was driving home from training when he lost control of his Ferrari GTC4Lusso and collided with a tree. The aftermath was catastrophic: he suffered a broken femur in four places and was trapped in the wreckage for 45 minutes before being rescued. In an exclusive interview with BBC One’s Morning Live, Antonio reflected on the incident, stating, “I was close to dying in that car crash. It was a horrendous accident that changed everything for me.”
Following the crash, Antonio made a significant lifestyle change. He expressed his newfound caution regarding sports cars, saying, “I’ve always been a fan of sports cars and old classics. But sports cars are not my friends. Now I have a people carrier and I’m staying far away from sports cars.” This shift highlights his desire to prioritize safety over speed, especially after experiencing such a traumatic event.
The once-luxurious Ferrari, originally valued at £260,000, is now listed for £50,000 on eBay as a salvage vehicle. The listing describes it as available for “spares or repairs,” emphasizing the extent of the damage and the fact that no insurance claim was made. Antonio’s decision to sell the car reflects his desire to move on from the past and focus on his recovery.
Despite the severity of his injuries, Antonio’s determination to return to football has been unwavering. He made a remarkable comeback, playing for the Jamaican national team in June 2025, just six months after the accident. In another interview, he shared, “I never gave up. I was told I might be out for a year, but I was back on the pitch sooner than anyone expected.” His resilience has inspired many, proving that setbacks can lead to comebacks.
After his contract with West Ham was not renewed at the end of the 2024-25 season, Antonio found himself a free agent. However, he has not been idle. He has embraced punditry work with TNT Sports, allowing him to stay connected to the game while exploring new avenues. He mentioned, “I’m enjoying analyzing the game and sharing my insights, but I still have the fire to play.”
Currently, Antonio is training with Brentford, another Premier League club, as he seeks to secure a new contract. Unfortunately, he recently suffered a calf injury that will keep him sidelined for two to three weeks. Despite this setback, he remains optimistic about his future in football, stating, “I’m focused on getting back in shape and finding a new club. This isn’t the end for me.”
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