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Former West Ham United striker Michail Antonio is out to prove himself all over again after making a comeback from a broken leg

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To many 35-year-old Premier League footballers, a broken leg and expiring contract might be a signal to call it a day. For Michail Antonio, the ex-West Ham striker is keen to show his playing days are not behind him, even after the December 2024 car crash which he freely admits, almost cost him his life. Speaking to Four Four Two at the FA Community Shield Final between Liverpool and Crystal Palace, the experienced Premier League marksman was reluctant to discuss the details of his Hammers exit - but insists he's back to normal and isn't thinking about retiring any time soon. "I'm still going to play. I'm speaking to a few clubs right now, I'm just kind of waiting for the right offer to come and move forward from there. "I definitely know I'm good. I know I'm fit, just waiting for the right opportunity. I've had a couple of offers - I'm kind of just holding out to see if anything better comes, " Antonio said. For the first time in 10 seasons, Antonio will not be representing the Hammers in 2025-26. After 323 appearances and 83 goals with the East London club, Antonio is searching for a new team in the twilight of his career. "I don't want to speak on that, that's a touchy subject, " Antonio said of his London Stadium departure. "I'm gonna leave that one to the side. We'll speak about it another time. " The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week. The Jamaica international's co-presenter on The Footballer's Football Podcast, Callum Wilson has joined West Ham on a free transfer this summer, effectively replacing Antonio in Graham Potter's squad. He told Four Four Two he wishes ex-Newcastle striker Wilson all the best in his new venture. "I was actually happy for him. And he said it to me on The Footballer's Football podcast, he said, 'I'm going to take your place. ' "He ended up signing, and he called me afterwards, he asked me for my number nine shirt, out of respect, which he didn't have to do - but he actually called me up and said, 'Look, I want to take number nine. Do you want it? ' "I was like, 'To be honest, before me, I would have said you wouldn't want it, because the record wasn't the best. But obviously I've done it well for you right now. ' ? Michail Antonio 'hungrier than ever' to prove himself after serious car crash - now deciding on right move for career. Ex-#WHUFC striker says fatal Diogo Jota incident 'shocked him to the core' & put things into perspective. Interview w/@Four Four Two. https: //t. co/WPged0MB6WAugust 12, 2025 "He's gone in there, and I'm happy for him. Me and him, we're very close, we speak all the time and stuff like that. So I'm hoping that he goes in there and does well. " Antonio added. Among the offers Antonio has received this summer are proposals from abroad. Whilst open to playing outside England, Antonio wants to put his family first and therefore a move closer to home is preferred. Last week, Antonio was sighted at Leeds United's Thorp Arch training facility, sparking rumours online that the Whites could be making a move for the ex-Hammers man. Antonio confirmed to Four Four Two his business in Yorkshire was related to a new sports supplements company he has founded, and similar visits were made to Ipswich Town and Oxford United, among others. Leeds are in the market for a centre-forward this summer, however, Antonio does not fit the age profile of the players currently on the Elland Road club's shortlist for that position. The Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Emirates FA Cup and Adobe Women’s FA Cup. All these competitions in one place, not normal! Get it all on TNT Sports and Discovery+. Joe joined Four Four Two as senior digital writer in July 2025 after five years covering Leeds United in the Championship and Premier League. Joe's 'Mastermind' specialist subject is 2000s-era Newcastle United having had a season ticket at St. James' Park for 10 years before relocating to Leeds and later London. Joe takes a keen interest in youth football, covering PL2, U21 Euros, as well as U20 and U17 World Cups in the past, in addition to hosting the industry-leading football recruitment-focused SCOUTED podcast. He is also one of the lucky few to have 'hit top bins' as a contestant on Soccer AM. It wasn't a shin-roller. You must confirm your public display name before commenting Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.

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