Michail Antonio is on the path to an incredible football comeback. The former West Ham star has been training with Championship club Leicester this week, aiming to earn a short-term contract. This comes almost a year after a terrifying car crash left him seriously injured.
The 35-year-old striker suffered a badly broken leg when his Ferrari crashed into a tree in Epping Forest. The accident happened on his way back from training, and it put his career in serious jeopardy.
After the crash, Antonio’s contract with West Ham expired in June, but he stayed with the club to complete his rehabilitation. Fans had feared that the accident could have ended his career.
Despite the injury, Antonio has been determined to return to football. He spent time training with Premier League side Brentford and played for Jamaica over the summer to regain his match fitness.
Leicester manager Marti Cifuentes confirmed that the club is considering signing Antonio. “He has looked good and has been a good lad to have around as well,” Cifuentes told BBC East Midlands Today.
Antonio is currently training with Leicester as the club searches for cover for Patson Daka, who will join the Zambia national team for the Africa Cup of Nations next week.
Cifuentes admitted that match fitness would take time to rebuild. “Match fitness is what will take some time to learn because he has been away for a long period. It’s never easy, and it doesn’t matter how hard you train or how hard you are involved, because the level of the game is different,” he said.
Despite concerns about the trauma Antonio endured, Cifuentes said the striker has shown no problems so far. “Not at all. We are aware that he has been training before with another club and he is looking good in that sense,” he added.
Antonio has not been idle during his recovery. He has done media work and recently appeared on TNT Sports as a pundit for Nottingham Forest’s Europa League match against Utrecht.
Even while working in the media, Antonio made it clear that he never wanted his career to end because of the accident. “I wasn’t done with football and I didn’t want my career to be finished literally in a car crash,” he said earlier this year.
He spent three weeks in the hospital after the accident, but his determination never wavered. “The very first thing is as soon I could was to speak to the doctor, the first thing I said to him was, ‘Am I going to play again?’ And from him saying to me, ‘Yes,’ that was me, no problem, that’s all I need to know,” Antonio said.
Antonio added, “I knew I had more in me and I knew I’ve still got more in me.” His words show a commitment to returning to football despite the challenges he has faced.
The Jamaica international spent a decade at West Ham, becoming their record Premier League scorer with 68 goals from 268 games. His legacy at the club is unforgettable.
Before West Ham, Antonio played for Southampton, Sheffield Wednesday, and Nottingham Forest, gaining valuable experience across England’s leagues.
Fans remember him for his incredible pace, strength, and goal-scoring ability. Now, those same fans are hoping to see him back on the pitch, fit and ready to make an impact.
Antonio’s potential move to Leicester could also be a boost for the Championship club, especially as they manage a busy schedule and injuries.
The striker’s story has inspired many in football and beyond. Coming back from a life-changing accident is no small feat, and Antonio’s determination highlights his resilience.
Leicester’s coaching staff will likely take their time in assessing Antonio’s fitness before offering a contract. But the striker’s presence on the training ground has already been praised.
Antonio’s journey reminds fans that setbacks, even life-threatening ones, do not have to mark the end of a career. With focus and determination, comebacks are possible.
If he does secure a contract with Leicester, Antonio will have the chance to continue adding to his legendary career while helping a team in need of his experience and skill.
Football pundits and fans alike will be watching closely, hoping to witness one of the most remarkable returns in recent memory. Antonio’s journey is far from over, and the next chapter could be even more exciting than the last.
His story is not just about football; it’s about courage, perseverance, and refusing to give up. Antonio’s determination is a reminder that even after serious setbacks, dreams can be revived.
The Championship club and Antonio both know that the road ahead won’t be easy. But the striker’s past performances and his current commitment suggest he has the potential to rise again.
