Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterWhen Michail Antonio turned out for Jamaica as a late substitute in a Gold Cup game against Guatemala in June, 2025, it capped a remarkable comeback for the striker.Just six months earlier, Antonio had suffered horrific injuries in a car crash that had not just put his career in doubt, but also his life.A lower limb fracture had kept him in hospital for most of December, with his injuries expected to keep him out of action for at least a year. But the former West Ham strikers determination was able to fuel this stunning return to action.Michail Antonio on coming back from injuryI have no memory of it, Antonio tells FourFourTwo when asked what he remembers about the crash. I only know what Ive been told about it, that I got found by a dog walker and the first responders who got there said I was in the back of the car.I was awake, but one leg was a quarter smaller than the other because it was completely shattered and raised up. You may like West Ham United legend Michail Antonio exclusive: Ive been talking to a few clubs since leaving Qatar, but Im thinking that I could possibly retire I'm weighing things up, Im going to make a decision by the middle or end of June' Michail Antonio wanted West Ham to get relegated after sour end to Hammers career Diogo Jota has become a real inspiration inside this group. Hes a light that reminds us all to be present every day, because tomorrow is never guaranteed Roberto Martinez on the impact of Diogo Jotas death on his Portugal squad Luckily they were able to take me to the Royal London Hospital, where they specialise in emergency surgeries one of the best surgeons operated on my leg and thats one of the reasons why I was able to play again.It doesnt feel like I lived the crash though I dont remember any pain. As much as I was the one who was in the accident, it was my family who actually lived it, who were sent the photos of the accident, who had to rush to the hospital to see me and speak to the doctors to find out how I was.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.I dont remember any of that. Later, when I went to see the car and the condition it was in, that hit me right in the gut.It made me emotional and believe that, honestly, I could have not been here today.Antonios contract with West Ham expired at the end of June 2025, but the club continued to support him in his rehabilitation, with his remarkable return to action coming when he came off the bench for Jamaica as an 85th-minute substitute against Guatemala on June 17, just six months after the accident.It was amazing, I absolutely loved it, Antonio recalls.I actually shocked myself with how fast I was able to do it, and I was lucky to do it that quickly because West Ham didnt give me a new contract, so I needed to prove to people that I was able to get back out onto the field.Im extremely grateful to God for giving me that opportunity.TOPICSWest Ham UnitedPremier LeagueJoe MewisSocial Links NavigationFor more than a decade, Joe Mewis has worked in football journalism as a reporter and editor. Mewis has had stints at Mirror Football and LeedsLive among others and worked at FourFourTwo throughout Euro 2024, reporting on the tournament. In addition to his journalist work, Mewis is also the author of four football history books that include times on Leeds United and the England national team. Now working as a digital marketing coordinator at Harrogate Town, too, Mewis counts some of his best career moments as being in the iconic Spygate press conference under Marcelo Bielsa and seeing his beloved Leeds lift the Championship trophy during lockdown.With contributions fromChris FlanaganSenior Staff Writer
