West Ham United star Michail Antonio discusses his plans for the future following their release, and defends fellow striker Callum Wilson amidst fan criticism.
Michail Antonio in Talks with Multiple Clubs After West Ham Departure
Michail Antonio, the former West Ham United forward, is currently a free agent and in transfer talks with several English and international clubs. Despite his release from West Ham eight months after a car accident, Antonio has made it clear that his playing days are far from done.
After a successful return to fitness following a serious car accident, Antonio played for West Ham’s Under-21s, scoring twice in a pre-season friendly. He has also represented Jamaica at the CONCACAF Gold Cup, marking his ongoing return to competitive football.
The next club Antonio signs with may aim to give him the best chance of playing in the World Cup. Antonio's goals for the new team appear to be focused on continuing his career and building on his fitness post-injury. His ongoing talks with clubs "in England and abroad" suggest he is open to new challenges and opportunities where he can contribute as an experienced forward.
Meanwhile, West Ham is also considering alternative roles for Antonio off the pitch, reflecting their respect for his long service at the club.
In Premier League games against West Ham, Callum Wilson has won 7, drawn 5, and lost 4, scoring 12 goals and achieving one hat-trick. Despite Wilson's past derogatory comments about West Ham on a podcast, Antonio has defended Wilson and encouraged West Ham fans to support him. He believes Wilson will bring goals to the club.
Wilson, who signed a one-year deal with West Ham after leaving Newcastle, accepted a minimal salary with bonuses for goals and appearances.
Michail Antonio made 323 appearances for West Ham over 10 years, scoring 83 goals and becoming their leading Premier League goalscorer. His tenure with the club included memorable moments such as scoring the winning goal against Tottenham Hotspur in 2016 and breaking his leg in four places in a car accident in 2024.
As Antonio continues his search for a new club, he has stated that he has something to prove at his next team. The Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Emirates FA Cup, and Adobe Women’s FA Cup are all competitions that can be found on TNT Sports and Discovery, providing a wealth of opportunities for the experienced forward.
- Michail Antonio, with his transfer talks ongoing, might secure a spot in a club aiming to compete in the World Cup.
- Under the European-leagues banner, Antonio could potentially represent a team in the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, or UEFA Conference League.
- As an experienced forward, Antonio is open to new challenges beyond the Premier League, including opportunities in UFC, football, or sports in general.
- West Ham United, appreciating Antonio's long service, might offer him a managerial role post-retirement, allowing him to continue contributing to the club.
- In an interesting contrast, Callum Wilson, who recently signed with West Ham, has shown impressive numbers in games against West Ham, scoring 12 goals and one hat-trick.
- World Cup aspirant clubs, sports broadcasters like TNT Sports and Discovery, and football fans worldwide follow Antonio's transfer closely, eagerly anticipating his next move in the sports landscape.