Antonio ´grateful for being alive´ after discharge from hospital on New Year´s Eve

West Ham United forward Michail Antonio has taken to Instagram to take stock of 2024 and says he is grateful to be alive after a car crash in early December.

Antonio was discharged from hospital on New Year’s Eve, 24 days after his road traffic accident.

While the 34-year-old is in a stable enough condition to return home, it is thought that his injuries could keep him out of football for up to a year. Despite that, he was happy to look at the bigger picture when posting on social media on Tuesday.

“Every year around this time, I’m asked what I’m grateful for, and every year I’ve struggled to find the right words. But this year, I know exactly what I’m grateful for: being alive,” he wrote.

“I want to take a moment to acknowledge something I’ve come to realise – I’ve spent so many years taking life for granted. I made plans for the next day, the next year, always assuming tomorrow was guaranteed. I’ve seen close friends pass away, witnessed others face near-death experiences, and even then, I didn’t fully grasp just how precious life is.

“What I’ve been through recently has opened my eyes. Life is fragile, and every single moment matters. I’m so grateful to God for giving me the strength to keep going and for allowing me to still be here. To the emergency services, the NHS, the Air Ambulance, everyone at the Royal London and Cromwell Hospitals and everyone from top to bottom at West Ham United FC.

Michail Antonio has a message for the West Ham United family and the wider football world after being discharged from hospital, having received treatment following his car accident on 7 December.

— West Ham United (@WestHam) December 31, 2024

“The medical team, the board, all of the staff, my team-mates and the amazing West Ham fans… I honestly could not have got through this without you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. To my loved ones who stood by my side throughout everything, I can’t express how much you mean to me.

“Lastly, to the whole football community, thank you for all the love and support you’ve shown me. It has truly meant the world. I love you all, and I am endlessly grateful for every one of you. Happy New Year – and I’ll be back on that pitch soon.”

With his current contract up for renewal in summer, it is thought that talks are under way to extend it in order to provide Antonio with more security during his rehabilitation period.