West Ham United striker Michail Antonio has just made a telling admission about his future in an emotional new interview — and it’s the clearest sign yet that his time at the club may be coming to an end.
In a moment of honesty that’s bound to raise eyebrows, veteran West Ham striker Michail Antonio has dropped his first real hint at a possible exit.
Hammers News exclusively revealed that West Ham were considering handing Antonio a new one-year deal dependent on his recovery from breaking his leg in four places during that horrific car crash in December.
Many Hammers fans have been divided over Antonio’s future – with his current £90k per week contract up at the end of the season.
Potter made Antonio’s ‘unique’ situation clear
The striker has been a fantastic servant for West Ham over the last nine years but turns 36 next season.
Graham Potter has made it clear he wants to rejuvenate the Premier League’s oldest squad around young talent.
That process started with a ruthless decision to release veteran quartet Aaron Cresswell, Lukasz Fabianski, Vladimir Coufal and Danny Ings.
Many feel now is the time for the Hammers and Antonio to part ways after their fairytale together.
Others think Antonio deserves one more year given what he has been through and for his contribution to the club.
Potter revealed an announcement will be made on Antonio at a later date as he continues his rehabilitation.
In a recent interview on talkSPORT, West Ham sporting director Mark Noble was coy when asked whether Antonio would be back playing in the claret and blue next season.
“I think for himself, just to get back – if he can play at some sort (of level), then fantastic,” Noble said.
Noble cast doubt on West Ham stay for Antonio
“But I think he’s still got a lot of rehab to do with the injury he got but as I say, just to actually see him here and being with the boys is great.”
Now Antonio has made a major admission on his West Ham future in a first hint he may leave.
Speaking in a lengthy and emotional new interview with France Football, Antonio suggests he would like to stay at West Ham.
But West Ham’s all-time leading Premier League goalscorer admits it is in the club’s hands and not a certainty he’ll remain at the London Stadium.
Antonio makes major admission on his West Ham future
And he even says he is confident he will do well elsewhere if he does have to leave the Hammers this summer.
“I’d like to push the record further so that Jarrod Bowen, who’s just behind me, can do the same,” Antonio said.
“The question is whether the club wants to extend my contract. That’s my priority, but I’m waiting.
“Until then, all I can do is concentrate on my recovery so that, wherever I am next year, I can play well.”
Antonio admits that recovery is punishing with some days more difficult than others.
And although he is improving, he rather tellingly revealed his brain is still telling his leg it can’t do certain things and that it sometimes feels dead for hours after training.
First hint Antonio may leave Hammers
He adds that a return to running may not be possible until June.
Whatever happens, though, Antonio will always be grateful to the Hammers and their fans for their support during the darkest period of his life.
“Even two months after the accident, the fans were still chanting my name at every match,” Antonio added.
“West Ham (as a club) were incredible from the start and they are still there for me every day.”
Hammers fans would ideally want to know before the Forest game this weekend whether Antonio is staying so that he can be given a proper send-off if not.
But this situation – as Potter said himself – is unique and if Antonio does depart, West Ham will undoubtedly have him back as a special guest for a game next season so fans can do just that.
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