Michail Antonio was involved in a horrific car accident this time last week, and the West Ham United fans feared the worst after seeing pictures of his smashed up Ferrari.
West Ham striker Michail Antonio is ok now thankfully, as he continues to recover from the broken bone in his leg.
The 34-year-old should consider himself very lucky to still be alive, but he will probably be out of action for 12 months at least.
That’s far from ideal for someone who will turn 35 in just three months’s time.
Antonio has been a huge player for the Hammers over the years, especially since we moved to the London Stadium in 2016.
He’s adored by the majority of West Ham fans, and the feeling is mutual.
However, is it realistic to suggest that Antonio’s playing days still lie ahead of him at West Ham?
New Michail Antonio update after conflicting claims
The Hammers forward will obviously not be back in action for a long, long time.
His contract is actually due to expire before his expected return date.
So what does the future hold for Michail Antonio at West Ham?
Hammers insider Sean Whetstone has just provided a big update on Antonio.
More specifically, Whetstone opened up on how the club plan to support the 34-year-old financially.
It’s pleasing to hear that Antonio will be covered up until the end of his contract.
The Daily Mail claimed earlier this week that the Hammers were ready to offer Antonio a new deal.
Meanwhile, Give Me Sport suggested that talks over a new contract for the former Nottingham Forest man have been put on the back-burner for now.
However, I fully expect the Hammers to look after the Jamaica international beyond the end of his current deal.
Whether that means offering him a job at the club away from football, or extending his contract beyond the end of the summer of 2025 remains to be seen.
Michail Antonio has been a great servant for West Ham over he past nine-and-a-half years.
It will reflect really well on the club if the Hammers owners do stand by Antonio as best they can.
West Ham United football club are a family after all, and it’s our duty to stick by the forward now.
Not doing so will have far-reaching consequences in my opinion.
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