West Ham United talisman Michail Antonio has made a big decision on his international future which has left fans divided.
Man City’s terrifying form is actually great news for West Ham’s Champions League hopes
Antonio penned a new West Ham contract in December which keeps him at the club until 2023.
With that resolved the striker – who has six goals in 14 starts for West Ham this season – has clearly been turning his attention to his international chances.
Antonio ready to switch allegiance to Jamaica after failing to make England breakthrough
According to the likes of Sky Sports, Antonio has been approached by Jamaica and is ‘passionate’ about representing them in a bid to help fire the Reggae Boyz to the 2022 World Cup finals.
The West Ham forward has twice been named in England squads by Sam Allardyce and Gareth Southgate.
But due to non-selection and injury, Antonio never made his debut.
That means he is free to switch his allegiance to Jamaica – who he reportedly turned down for England back in 2016 (Sky Sports).
West Ham’s only striker used to carrying weight of expectation
West Ham are heavily reliant on Antonio. He is David Moyes’s only senior striker – much to the chagrin of West Ham fans.
Indeed West Ham’s hopes of European qualification this season very much rest on his shoulders – and troublesome hamstrings. So Antonio is used to carrying a certain weight of expectation.
But what have West Ham fans been making of the striker’s big decision?
Hammers supporters appear to be divided.
Some feel jetting off around the world on long flights to play even more football could result in more injuries.
Others are delighted for the striker and are hoping he can help Jamaica qualify so they can watch him fulfil every footballer’s dream of playing at a World Cup.
Antonio Reggae Boyz decision divides opinion given his injury history
It would certainly be interesting to hear Moyes’s private thoughts on the decision.
The Scot would probably prefer his main man to get plenty of rest during international breaks.
It could even have a bearing on whether Moyes elects to sign one or two strikers come the summer.
Here’s a selection of comments from fans about Antonio’s big decision.
Brentford fans rave about ‘top class’ West Ham outcast, could be the perfect Toney makeweight
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox
