West Ham United play host to Leicester City in the Premier League on February 27th, and Michail Antonio is expected to return to the London Stadium for the game.
The Thursday night game under the lights will undoubtedly be a big occasion for the club – West Ham will be expected to take three points from the contest for a start.
However, there will be another talking point, with Michail Antonio set to make his long awaited return to the London Stadium.
The Hammers hitman suffered a fractured leg during a horrendous road traffic accident in early December.
Antonio was rushed to hospital, and it was widely reported at the time that he was lucky to survive the crash.
The fact that he emerged from the accident with his life in tact was obviously great news for everyone close to the striker.
It seemed like it was very much touch and go at one point.
Now the former Nottingham Forest man can look to the future, with the hope of one day playing for us again.
Antonio is set to fly out to Dubai today, and will spend nearly two weeks at a specialised training centre (The Sun).
Hopefully the fortnight out in Dubai really helps to aid Mickey’s recovery.
Despite the fact that we won’t see him in a Hammers shirt again for quite some time, he is set to make an appearance at the London Stadium before the end of the month.
West Ham to crowdfund giant Tifo vs Leicester for Michail Antonio
The Jamaica international is surely well aware that he is adored by the majority of Hammers fans.
And now the striker will get to see and feel that love first hand.
Hammers fan group The Ironworks Alliance is planning a big demonstration of support for Antonio.
A spokesman for Ironworks Alliance contacted Hammers News, and shared plans for Antonio’s return to the London Stadium at the end of this month:
“Ironworks Alliance understands that Antonio is likely to be in attendance at the London Stadium for the first time since his accident occurred, against Leicester on the 27th February. Michail is our all time top Premier League goal scorer, and has been at West Ham for over 9 years.”
“As fans we want to show how much he means to us. We do not know whether we will see Antonio in a West Ham shirt again. So with the funds gathered from our crowdfund, we plan to unveil a giant crowd surfer banner to show our love and appreciation for him. The bigger the funds, the bigger the banner will be! Donations of at least £5 will also be placed into a prize draw for a chance to win a pair of Antonio’s boots, which are signed by the man himself. Donors need to leave their name as well to enter the draw.“
You can donate to the cause by clicking the link HERE via Go Fund Me.
Ironworks Alliance has been granted permission by the Hammers hierarchy for the fan funded crowd display.
However, the hard work starts now…come on Hammers fans, it’s time to dig deep into those pockets!
Antonio has been a great servant for West Ham, whatever you think of his ability.
West Ham to show ‘appreciation and support’ for Michail Antonio
The 34-year-old has been an ever present member of the Hammers squad since joining us from Nottingham Forest nearly 10 years ago.
He has put his body on the line time and time again for West Ham, and now we’re unlikely to see him in a Hammers shirt again for at least another 10-12 months, if at all.
Now it’s our chance to give something back.
“Organised by Ironworks Alliance, we want to show our appreciation and support for everything he has done for us throughout his time at West Ham by unveiling a giant crowd surfer banner“, the Go Fund Me page reads.
It will very much be a case of ‘the bigger the funds, the bigger the banner’.
Michail Antonio’s footballing ability may well divide opinion amongst the West Ham fanbase.
However, his dedication and commitment to the club is beyond question.
We’re all with you Mickey, and he will witness how much he’s loved first hand when we play host to Leicester on February 27th, with your help of course!
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