Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterMichail Antonio has opened up about his move to Qatar following leaving West Ham in 2025.The striker was involved in a devastating car crash which saw him suffer a gruesome leg break and ultimately led to him leaving the London Stadium.He trained with several clubs in England before moving overseas, but signed for Al Sailiya in March 2026 only to arrive in Qatar just as the conflict between the US and Iran started.Play our FREE match predictor and win �1k "Seeing rockets fly past... that was scary!" Antonio opens up on first few days in QatarAntonio had continued to train with West Ham to aid his rehabilitation from the injury which he suffered in December 2024, playing for their under-21 side in August, but ultimately had to wait until March 2026 before signing for a new team.Speaking exclusively to FourFourTwo he said: Every club I trained with wanted to sign me I knew I still had the quality. The first club I trained with was Brentford they offered me a contract, but I got injured. Leicester offered me a contract, but I got injured. You may like I have no memory of my car crash. When the first responders got there one leg was a quarter smaller than the other because it was completely shattered Michail Antonio on his 2024 car crash Karren Brady offered me a �5k-a-week with the U21s, I said, 'The U21s are on more than that' Her response was, 'Well, they havent been in a car crash and shattered their leg' I didnt sign the contract Michail Antonio on his West Ham rejection 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' Charlton also offered me a contract, but I ended up going out to Qatar because that was something I needed, and I really enjoyed it out there. It was a great lifestyle, a good way to build myself back into football.It didnt start how he would have wished, however, with the US and Iran entering a conflict that plunged the Middle East into uncertainty for several months.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.On the very first day of the war, I was looking out of my hotel room, seeing rockets fly past, he told FourFourTwo.The hotel would shake when they were getting blocked. That was scary, but it was completely fine other than that day. Later in life, after I do my presenting and stuff like that, Ill probably end up retiring out there.Whilst not officially retired, Antonio has been making plans for what to do when time does come to hang up his boots. What to read next Michail Antonio wanted West Ham to get relegated after sour end to Hammers career West Ham receive World Cup 2026 injury boost during relegation run-in West Ham star 'will not play in the Championship': report I have a kinetics business that works on peoples movements, which were trying to grow and get into football clubs."Ive also got a tequila company I have shares in, and the Samba Stars Academy out in Ghana one of our players [Listowell Lord Hinneh] signed for Middlesbrough recently."My agent and I have partnered up on a couple of things, and theres another business Im starting too, plus the pundit and presenting side of things.He was part of the TNT Sports team for the 2025/26 season, helping on domestic and European coverage.TOPICSWest Ham UnitedPremier LeagueEwan GenneryFreelance writerEwan is a freelance writer and social media manager who has worked for The Athletic, GOAL, 90min and OneFootball. From Gelsenkirchen to Riyadh, he has covered some of the biggest games in football in his three years in the industry. With contributions fromChris FlanaganSenior Staff Writer
