Michail Antonio Departs West Ham United

After West Ham United decided against renewing his contract at the conclusion of the previous season, Jamaican striker Michail Antonio has left the club, the Premier League team announced on Thursday.

The 35-year-old had been sidelined since his accident in December, where he suffered a severe thigh injury after his car collided with a tree following a training session.

Antonio joined the London side in 2015 from Nottingham Forest. During his tenure, he made 323 appearances and scored 83 goals, becoming the club’s all-time leading scorer in the Premier League.

Despite the non-renewal of his contract, West Ham United extended an offer to the player, providing access to training, facilities, and medical support.

In a released statement, West Ham expressed, “Michail will remain a cherished and esteemed figure within the West Ham United community. As has been the arrangement since December, the Club will proceed to aid and support him in his ongoing recovery, granting him access to training resources, facilities and healthcare services if necessary.”

The statement further mentioned, “Discussions are still ongoing regarding his potential future involvement with the Club in a different role, which could enable others to benefit from his wealth of experience and leadership capabilities, and he will always hold a significant place in our 130-year history.”

Michail Antonio was instrumental in West Ham’s triumph in the Europa Conference League 2023, which concluded their 43-year wait for a major title.

Antonio marked his return to competitive play in June, appearing as a substitute for Jamaica in a CONCACAF Gold Cup match against Guatemala.

West Ham is scheduled to commence their Premier League campaign against Sunderland on August 16.