Michail Antonio says he is grateful to be alive as the West Ham star releases first statement since the car accident that left him fearing for his life – and he vows to return to the pitch ‘soon’

West Ham United striker Michail Antonio posted an emotional statement on New Year’s Eve, shortly after being released from hospital.

The 34-year-old spent 24 days in hospital after a horrific car crash that left him fearing for his life.

On December 7, Antonio had to be extricated from his £260,000 Ferrari after veering off the road at Theydon Bois in Essex.

The crash, which took place in Epping Forest, left him in his passenger seat and trapped for more than 45 minutes as firefighters tried to free him.

Antonio was on his way home from West Ham’s Rush Green training ground ahead of their Premier League match against Wolves when he crashed into a tree.

He required surgery and still has a broken leg, but Antonio sounded very positive when he said in a statement posted via Instagram that he was “grateful” to be alive. The statement was accompanied by a photo of Antonio smiling while holding a pair of crutches.

Antonio underwent surgery on a broken leg after his £260,000 Ferrari crashed into a tree

“Every year around this time I am asked what I am grateful for, and every year I struggle to find the right words,” the statement began.

‘But this year I know exactly what I am grateful for: that I am alive.

“I want to take a moment to acknowledge something I’ve come to realize: I’ve spent so many years taking life for granted. I made plans for the next day, the next year, always assuming tomorrow was guaranteed.

“I’ve seen close friends die, witnessed others have near-death experiences, and even then I didn’t fully appreciate how precious life is.

‘What I have experienced recently has opened my eyes. Life is fragile and every moment matters.

‘I’m so grateful to God for giving me the strength to keep going and for allowing me to still be here.

‘To the emergency services, the NHS, the Air Ambulance, everyone at Royal London and Cromwell hospitals and everyone from top to bottom at West Ham United FC. The medical team, the board, all the staff, my teammates and the wonderful West Ham fans… I honestly couldn’t have gotten through this without you. thank you from the bottom of my heart.

“To my loved ones who have been by my side through everything, I cannot express how much you mean to me.

“Finally, I would like to thank the entire football community for all the love and support you have shown me. It really meant everything to the world. I love you all and I am endlessly grateful to you all.”

It is expected that Antonio will not play for West Ham again before the end of the season.

However, he ended his statement by telling fans: “Happy New Year – and I’ll be back on that pitch soon.”