Michail Antonio sent a supportive message to his West Ham team-mates before their huge Premier League clash with Wolves as he recovers from a terrifying car crash.
Antonio, 34, is still in hospital after being involved in a car crash on Saturday.
The forward, who is West Ham’s all-time leading goalscorer in the Premier League, underwent surgery on a lower limb fracture on Sunday.
Antonio is yet to speak out after the terrifying ordeal in which he crashed his Ferrari but spoke to his West Ham team-mates before they faced Wolves on Monday night.
Hammers midfielder Tomas Soucek, who scored in West Ham’s crucial 2-1 win, said Antonio wished his team-mates good luck and was in good spirits, making jokes on the video call from his hospital bed.
Soucek told Sky Sports: ‘It was for him. I dedicate it to him. I really wanted to score today, he’s my favourite since I came here. It was tough for me to play without him.
‘I am happy that he is feeling fine and he is supporting us. He’s really in our heart. It was really tough.
‘I was with the kids and I saw the info on my phone, I messaged everyone I could to see how he is. I wished him all the best but I was so scared.
‘It was a really tough few days and even more for him and his family. We also saw him before the game, we had a video call before the game.
‘I was so happy, he smiled and he gave us all the best. I was so happy. I can’t wait to visit him.
‘He’s a lovely guy and funny so he even made a few jokes. He wished us all the best. He’s one of our best-ever players, I can’t wait to visit him. Hopefully he will be back with us soon.’
The West Ham players wore ‘Antonio 9’ shirts as they warmed-up at the London Stadium which will now be signed and auctioned off, with the proceeds donated to the NHS and Air Ambulances UK.
There was a minute’s applause for the striker in the ninth minute and both West Ham goalscorers – Soucek and Jarrod Bowen – paid tribute to their team-mate during while celebrating.
Speaking before the game, West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen told Sky Sports: ‘Everyone loves Mic, he is big character and waiting for news on the Saturday was difficult.
‘He is not just a team-mate, he is a friend and has been for many years – a dad as well, to beautiful children.
‘I just want to say thank you to all the support from everyone. As captain I’ve seen all the messages and support Mic has got.
‘It is one of those things where life is bigger than football. The main thing is Mic is safe and well and he is here to tell the story.
‘He is a warrior and a fighter, he always has been, through his career and I know he will be back stronger for this.’
Hammers boss Julen Lopetegui added: ‘Fortunately he was a miracle, looking at the picture of the the car.
‘These are more important things, the person, the dad, the brother. We are happy because he overcame the surgery that he had yesterday.’
In a statement released before the Premier League fixture, West Ham said: ‘Michail remains in everyone’s thoughts as he continues his rehabilitation.
‘Everyone at the club would like to reiterate their heartfelt thanks to the first responders, emergency services, air ambulance staff and the NHS for the incredible support given to Michail in the wake of the accident.
‘Ahead of Monday’s Premier League fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers, which kicks-off at 8pm, the players will warm-up in special ‘Antonio 9’ shirts, as well as walking out in tops adorning the striker’s name.
‘The Club will auction off the walk-out tops, with each one signed by every member of the squad, including Michail.
‘In addition, every match-worn shirt from the Wolves fixture will also be auctioned, each signed by their respective squad member.
‘All proceeds raised from the auction will be split between the NHS and Air Ambulances UK Charity, the national charity supporting the lifesaving work of the UK’s Air Ambulance charities. All proceeds will also be matched by the club’s board.’
On the pitch, under-fire manager Julen Lopetegui secured a crucial victory to send West Ham nine points clear of the relegation zone and potentially avoid the sack.
Wolves, however, remain in the drop zone with just nine points from 15 games. Gary O’Neil also came into the fixture under immense pressure.
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