Michail Antonio Facetimed the West Ham squad from hospital, with Tomas Soucek sharing details of the video call after his team-mate's car crash.
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Antonio crashed his Ferrari on SaturdayUnderwent surgery on a lower limbSoucek revealed he was still in good spiritsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Antonio remains hospitalised after being involved in a horror crash in his Ferrari on Saturday, with West Ham confirming he has undergone surgery on a lower-limb fracture. Though he has not yet made a public statement, he took time to lift his team-mates' spirits with a video call ahead of their 2-1 victory over Wolves on Monday night. From his hospital bed, Antonio reportedly shared words of encouragement and even cracked light-hearted jokes, demonstrating his resilience during the ordeal.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportWHAT SOUCEK SAID
Soucek, who was among the scorers against Wolves along with Jarrod Bowen, expressed his admiration and relief after the call.
"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," he told .
"I am happy that he is feeling fine and he is supporting us. He’s really in our hearts. 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 BIGGER PICTURE
The West Ham squad showed solidarity with their injured striker in several ways during the match. Ahead of kick-off, the players donned warm-up shirts bearing "Antonio 9", which will be signed and auctioned to benefit the NHS and Air Ambulances UK. Fans at the London Stadium participated in a moving tribute, applauding in the ninth minute to honour Antonio. The goalscorers, Soucek and Bowen, dedicated their celebrations to Antonio, underscoring how much the striker means to the team.
Before the match, Bowen told "Everyone loves Mic, he is a 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 for 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."
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR WEST HAM?
West Ham secured three crucial points that moved them nine points clear of the relegation zone, providing much-needed breathing room for head coach Julen Lopetegui. Their next Premier League fixture will see them face Bournemouth away from home on December 16.
