West Ham Players Wear Special Shirts to Support Michael Antonio
Dec 9, 2024 at 8:11 PM
Tomas Soucek dedicated his goal in West Ham's 2-1 win over Wolves to Michail Antonio. The Hammers forward, 34, remains in hospital after a car crash on Saturday. Antonio underwent surgery on Sunday on a lower limb fracture and will continue to receive care. Soucek and Jarrod Bowen scored to move West Ham nine points clear of the relegation zone and ease the pressure on head coach Julen Lopetegui.When asked about Antonio, Soucek told Sky Sports: "The goal was for him. I said before the game I really wanted to score even more today. He's been here since I came here – he is really my favourite. I said it would be tough for me to play without him. I am happy that he is doing fine, but this is for him. He is a massive player and he is in my heart."The 29-year-old Czech international was worried when he heard the news. He said: "It was really tough for us. I was with the kids and I saw this information on the phone. I messaged everyone asking what happened and how he was. I was so scared what was going to happen. It was a really tough week for him, his family and us. We had a video call with him, the whole team, before the game. He smiled to us and gave us all the best. I can't wait to visit him. He is a really lovely guy and also funny. He even made a few jokes before the game and he wished us all the best."Jamaica international Antonio is West Ham's all-time leading scorer in the Premier League, with 68 goals in 268 league appearances. Soucek held up nine fingers, representing Antonio's shirt number, when celebrating his opener against second-bottom Wolves, while captain Bowen held up Antonio's shirt too after netting the 72nd-minute winner. Soucek added: "He is probably one of the best players West Ham have had. He will be soon with us. These things can happen, but hopefully he will be even better soon."West Ham's players warmed up in Antonio shirts prior to the game at London Stadium. Bowen told Sky Sports before kick-off: "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 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."Manager Lopetegui added: "Fortunately he was a miracle, looking at the picture of 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."There was also a minute's applause for Antonio in the ninth minute at the London Stadium once the game against Wolves had kicked off. The Hammers said the special 'Antonio 9' shirts, walking-out tops and the players' match-worn shirts will be signed and auctioned off, with the proceeds donated to the National Health Service and Air Ambulances UK. In a statement, the club added it "would like to reiterate 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."
