West Ham striker Michail Antonio says he’s “grateful” to be alive after sustaining a damaged leg in a automotive accident.
Antonio, 34, was discharged from hospital on Tuesday, greater than three weeks after present process surgical procedure on a decrease limb fracture following the crash.
The Jamaica worldwide wanted to be launched from his automotive after turning into trapped throughout the incident on 7 December in Epping, Essex, and was taken to a central London hospital.
“Yearly round this time, I am requested what I am grateful for, and yearly I’ve struggled to search out the suitable phrases. However this 12 months, I do know precisely what I am grateful for: being alive,” Antonio wrote on Instagram.
His social media publish included {a photograph} of himself standing with crutches.
“I’ve spent so a few years taking life with no consideration. I made plans for the subsequent day, the subsequent 12 months, at all times assuming tomorrow was assured. I’ve seen shut mates go away, witnessed others face near-death experiences, and even then I did not absolutely grasp simply how valuable life is,” Antonio mentioned.
“What I have been by lately has opened my eyes. Life is fragile, and each single second issues. I am so grateful to God for giving me the power to maintain going and for permitting me to nonetheless be right here.”
Antonio is West Ham’s all-time main scorer within the Premier League, with 68 objectives in 268 league appearances.
He added: “I will be again on that pitch quickly.”
Antonio additionally thanked the emergency and medical providers which have supported him for the reason that accident, together with the “entire soccer neighborhood”.
“Thanks for all of the love and assist you’ve got proven me. It has really meant the world. I really like you all and I’m endlessly grateful for each one among you,” he mentioned.
The Hammers ahead spoke to his team-mates by way of a video name earlier than they earned an necessary 2-1 win over Wolves on 9 December, having worn ‘Antonio 9’ shirts earlier than kick-off.
The membership additionally thanked the providers that supported Antonio and mentioned it might donate “near £60,000 to the NHS and Air Ambulances UK charities” after the shirts had been offered at public sale.
“Everybody on the membership want to reiterate their heartfelt due to the primary responders, emergency providers, air ambulance workers and the NHS for the unbelievable assist given to Michail within the wake of the accident,” West Ham mentioned on Tuesday.
