New signing Callum Wilson has lifted the lid on Michail Antonio’s final words as a West Ham player – and they perfectly sum up the striker’s legacy in east London.
After a decade of service, it has been confirmed Michail Antonio’s time with West Ham has come to an end.
There have been months of uncertainty over Antonio’s future following the car crash which saw him suffer a broken leg in four places.
The Jamaican striker’s contract expired at the end of June and talks were held about a new deal.
But Antonio rejected the deal, which was on a lower base salary and incentivised around appearances.
Wilson replaces good friend Antonio at West Ham
Graham Potter said an announcement would be made on Antonio’s future at an appropriate time.
Yet Potter officially confirmed Antonio is leaving West Ham when speaking to the press in the USA.
It came on the same day the Hammers confirmed the arrival of Callum Wilson, who is two years younger than his close friend Antonio, on a free transfer.
Hammers News exclusively revealed West Ham were signing Wilson – and it led to uproar from a large section of the fanbase.
After leaving Newcastle, Wilson has accepted West Ham’s ultra low base salary with appearance and goal incentives.
It has been claimed Wilson will now take the number nine shirt vacated by West Ham’s all-time leading Premier League goalscorer Antonio.
Many West Ham fans are still voicing their disapproval at the signing.
A number believe the club should have retained Antonio instead of signing Wilson, who turns 34 next season and spent the equivalent of three full 38-game seasons out injured during five years with Newcastle.
Wilson has been one of the biggest bogeymen for the Hammers over the years with more goals against them than any other club.
The 33-year-old has got under the skin of some Irons supporters, such as when he referred to his handball goal against them for Bournemouth as a ‘touch of magic’.
Wilson lifts lid on Antonio’s last words as a West Ham player and it’s pure class
Wilson also mocked West Ham’s Europa Conference League triumph – although the comments were banter with good pal Antonio.
In the new signing’s defence, Wilson described West Ham as a club ‘everyone wants to play for’ in the past too.
Fans might assume the situation is an extremely awkward one for Wilson and Antonio.
Two firm friends and podcast partners who have spent years ribbing one another.
Now Wilson is taking Antonio’s place at the club he had hoped to earn a new deal with following one of the traumatic incidents of his life.
Hammers hero Antonio has also suffered more personal heartache recently, as revealed by the player himself.
Wilson has been on the charm offensive in his first words as a West Ham player, asking supporters to let bygones be bygones as he vows to make up for past differences by getting goals for the Hammers.
Wilson has also lifted the lid on Antonio’s last words as a West Ham player and it’s pure class.
The Hammers new boy has revealed he has spoken to Antonio about joining the club.
And despite the fact Wilson is going to be taking his place after 10 years in east London, Antonio’s parting message was full of humility and love for the club and its supporters.
In fact Antonio urged Wilson to sign for the club he has served with such distinction for the last 10 years.
Antonio only had good things to say about West Ham
“I’ve spoken with Michail, and he only mentioned positive things about the club,” Wilson told West Ham’s website.
“(Michail) said it’s a great opportunity…
“Obviously what’s gone on before is gone, it’s in the past, it’s ultimately about the badge on the front of the shirt, not the name and the number on the back so, for me, judge me week in week out when I’m giving 110% for the team.”
A formal announcement on Antonio is expected from West Ham in the near future.
Hammers News understands the club is also planning to have Antonio back at the London Stadium at an appropriate time so the fans can say a proper farewell.
Antonio will also be given the opportunity to send an open letter or video to supporters in his formal goodbye.
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