Michail Antonio has revealed how difficult it was for him to find a new club after leaving West Ham United due to the car accident he had in 2024.
The Jamaican international suffered a serious road accident in 2024 which left him with multiple fractures in his leg.
He departed the Hammers upon the expiration of his contract last summer, but had been unable to find a new club despite an impressive spell in the Premier League.
Antonio joined Qatari outfit Al-Sailiya recently on a short-term deal until the end of the season, hoping to maintain top form and secure a bigger move in the summer.
I’ve still got the qualities I had in the Premier League for the past 10 years. It shows, because every single manager was putting a contract in front of me once I trained with them”, Antonio revealed.
“But there were managers and clubs who refused to look at me because of what happened — the accident, the injury. Some owners went against it. In football, the manager can want you, but it’s the owner’s money.
My agent kept calling clubs, and the same thing happened — clubs wanted me to train first. With the ego I had, I said ‘I’m not coming to train. You’ve seen me play with Jamaica, you’ve seen my past 10 years. I shouldn’t have to train to get a contract.’ Clubs said ‘iIf you don’t train, we won’t sign you.”
Antonio trained with Brentford after leaving West Ham, but a calf injury denied him the chance to join the club.
A move to Leicester City also failed and despite training with Charlton Athletic, he preferred a move to join the Qatari side instead.
“After staying at West Ham, training with the under-21s and going away with Jamaica again, my agent said ‘you’re going to have to train, prove your fitness.’
“I had to swallow my ego — that’s how I ended up at Brentford. I trained with them for two weeks”, Antonio added.
“Whatever happens in the summer, happens. I need to focus on the first goal, playing games and being fit. If I stay fit, I’ll perform and score goals. I feel like the best possibility of staying fit is out here rather than playing Tuesdays and Saturdays”, the 35-year-old concluded.
For now, Antonio will be hoping for a decent spell during his time with Al-Sailiya, which could then open up an even bigger move for him in the summer.
Olakitan is a young writer with a strong passion for sports, having gained experience with IndyPress and Nimelssa Press. His enthusiasm for sports inspired him to cover events both within his school and beyond. With a deep understanding of the game and a refined skillset, he brings sports coverage to a broad, global audience in a way that’s engaging and accessible.
