West Ham have announced that all time leading goal scorer Michail Antonio will not be signing a new deal at the club after his contract expired at the end of last season. Antonio dominated the headlines in December of last year when he suffered a horrific car crash, breaking his leg in four places.
He would go on to make a miraculous return to football in June, appearing as substitute for Jamaica in a CONCACAF Gold Cup tie against Guatemala. He also played for West Ham’s academy side, but did not return to the first team.
His future remained a talking point this summer with his contract drawing to a close. The Hammers have now officially confirmed that Antonio will not be a member of the first team squad but hinted at prolonged involvement with the club.
A club statement mentioned that discussions were taking place over involvement with the club in an alternative capacity. Antonio’s options are not limited however, with Sky Sports reporting that several clubs have made contact with the player’s representatives.
The Jamaica international has interest from the Premier League, Championship, and abroad – including the Saudi Pro League, with several unnamed clubs exploring the conditions of a deal.
Antonio gearing up for return
Antonio will leave West Ham a firm fan favourite, having lead the line for the better part of the last decade. He joined the Hammers from Nottingham Forest in 2015, and though he originally played at right-back and right wing he eventually adapted to the No.9 role.
He made 323 appearances over a ten-year period, scoring 83 goals. 68 of those goals came in the Premier League, more than any other West Ham player in history.
He was a key figure in ending West Ham United’s 43-year wait for a major trophy, scoring 6 times throughout the Europa League campaign as West Ham claimed victory in the final in Prague.
West Ham fans will also remember him fondly for scoring against Manchester United in May of 2016, as the club said their final farewell to the Boleyn ground before moving to London Stadium.
He will undoubtedly be greeted with fond cheers should he return to the London Stadium. West Ham have already moved to sign a replacement, snapping up free agent Callum Wilson from Newcastle.
