West Ham United's Antonio set to depart following automobile accident
West Ham United Bids Farewell to Michail Antonio
After a decade of dedicated service, West Ham United has bid farewell to their all-time top goalscorer in the Premier League, Michail Antonio. The club released Antonio following the expiration of his contract, ending his tenure at the London Stadium.
Antonio, who has scored an impressive 83 goals in 323 appearances for the Hammers, was a key player in the team that won the club's first trophy since 1980, the Europa Conference League, in 2023. His contributions to the team were recognised in a statement that expressed the club's sincere gratitude for his outstanding service.
However, the statement did not indicate whether Antonio would be involved in any capacity with the first team if he takes up a non-playing role at West Ham United. The club is currently in negotiations with Antonio for a possible non-playing role in the future, but the details of this potential arrangement remain undisclosed.
Antonio is currently a free agent and is actively seeking a new club for the 2025-26 season. He is confident in his fitness and ability to continue playing despite being 35 years old. Despite his departure from West Ham, the club has made it clear that Antonio will always be a much-loved and respected member.
The statement did not address whether Antonio's status as a much-loved and respected member of the club would change if he takes up a non-playing role. It also did not mention any financial terms associated with the potential non-playing role for Antonio or whether he would continue to have access to training, facilities, and medical care if he does take up such a role.
Antonio's departure from West Ham United comes after a serious car accident in December that resulted in a broken leg. However, he has made a comeback to professional football ahead of schedule, including playing for Jamaica at the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup. The club will continue to support and assist Antonio in his ongoing rehabilitation.
In conclusion, while Michail Antonio's rehabilitation from injury is complete, his future role with West Ham United has ended. The club and the player are now focused on finding a new team for the 2025-26 season.
Despite his departure from West Ham United, Antonio may still maintain his status as a much-loved and respected member, given his impressive contributions to the club's European-leagues success, specifically the Europa Conference League win in 2023. As a free agent, Antonio is actively exploring international opportunities to play football in the upcoming 2025-26 season, potentially in high-profile European-leagues such as the Premier League.
