West Ham United in a heartwarming gesture is reportedly considering extending Michail Antonio's £90,000-per-week contract following his serious car crash.
The 34-year-old forward, who has been with the club since joining from Nottingham Forest in 2015, suffered a lower limb fracture in the accident and underwent surgery. Despite the severity of his injuries, which will keep him out of action until 2025, West Ham is contemplating offering him a new deal as a show of support during his recovery.
The crash occurred in Theydon Bois, Essex, where Antonio's silver Ferrari veered off the road and collided with a large tree. Local police have appealed for dash cam footage and witnesses to aid their investigation into the incident, which took place shortly after 12:50 pm. Antonio was trapped in the vehicle for over 45 minutes before being freed by fire crews and rushed to a central London hospital.
West Ham confirmed that Antonio was "conscious and communicating" following the surgery and remains under close supervision. The club has expressed its commitment to supporting Antonio and his family during this challenging time. As part of this support, discussions about extending his contract are expected to take place once he is discharged from the hospital.
Antonio's current contract is set to expire at the end of the season, and the club does not have insurance to cover his wages during his recovery. Nevertheless, West Ham intends to pay his salary for the remainder of the season. This potential contract extension mirrors a similar gesture made by the club in 2021 when they extended former defender Angelo Ogbonna's contract after he suffered a serious knee injury.
The news of Antonio's accident sent shockwaves through the football community, with clubs and figures from across the sport sending their tributes and well-wishes to the Jamaican international. West Ham paid tribute to Antonio ahead of their 2-1 victory over Wolves by warming up in 'Antonio 9' shirts and walking out in tops bearing his name.
Goalscorers Tomas Soucek and Jarrod Bowen dedicated their goals to Antonio, with Soucek expressing his admiration for the forward, stating, "He is really my favourite. I said it would be tough for me to play without him."
The club plans to auction off signed tops and match shirts from the game, with proceeds going to the NHS and Air Ambulances UK charity. This initiative highlights the club's dedication to supporting both Antonio and the wider community.
Antonio, who will turn 35 in March, is West Ham's all-time leading Premier League goalscorer, having netted 83 goals for the club. His contributions on the field have made him an integral part of the team, and the potential contract extension reflects the club's appreciation for his impact and loyalty.
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