- Michail Antonio underwent surgery after his Ferrari crashed into a tree
- West Ham come together to support striker in first home game since crash
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West Ham wore special special shirts with Michail Antonio’s name for their match against Wolves after the star’s horror crash left him with a broken leg.
The 34-year-old had to be cut free from his £260,000 Ferrari after it crashed into a tree in Essex on Saturday and he later underwent surgery.
Antonio was trapped for more than 45 minutes when firefighters tried to free him from his car.
West Ham confirmed on Saturday evening that Antonio was in a stable condition and was ‘conscious and communicating’ after being taken to hospital. A further statement on Sunday confirmed he had undergone surgery.
And the club came together for the first home game since the shocking crash by warming up in ‘Antonio 9’ shirts.
West Ham will auction the tops, which will be signed by Antonio and all other members of the squad.
West Ham paid tribute to their teammate on Monday by warming up in ‘Antonio 9’ shirts
Aaron Wan-Bissaka is one of the Hammers players making the gesture ahead of the Wolves match
Captain and close friend Jarrod Bowen said it had been a ‘difficult’ period for the club
“In addition, every match-worn shirt from the Wolves match will also be auctioned, each signed by their respective team member,” the club said.
‘All proceeds from the auction will be shared between the NHS and Air Ambulances UK Charity, the national charity that supports the lifesaving work of the UK’s Air Ambulance charities. All proceeds are also sponsored by the club’s board.’
West Ham supporters paid their own tribute to Antonio during the Wolves match by applauding in the ninth minute in recognition of his shirt number.
Ahead of Monday’s match, Hammers manager Julen Lopetegui said Antonio’s condition was a ‘miracle’ given the scale of the crash.
“It has been very hard for all of us, but even more so for him and his family,” Lopetegui told Sky Sports.
‘Luckily he was a miracle, looking at the pictures of the car.
‘There are more important things: the father, the brother, the son that he is. This is more important with Mic. We are happy because he made it through the surgery. Let’s see.
‘We spoke to him today. The most important thing is that he was a miracle.’
Club captain, and close friend of Antonio, Jarrod Bowen, also paid tribute to the ‘warrior’ striker ahead of the match.
Photos have emerged of a wrecked Ferrari, reportedly showing the aftermath of the crash
Antonio was involved in an accident on Saturday in which he suffered a ‘fracture of the lower extremities’
Bowen also told Sky Sports: ‘It’s one of those things you never think you’ll get involved with. He’s been here longer than me. Everyone loves him.
‘He’s a great character. Those few hours on Saturday were difficult, when we got the news and were waiting for the news.
“He’s not just a teammate, he’s a friend of ours. He has been a friend of ours for years. Also a father of beautiful children. You see the support.
‘I just want to thank you for all the support. As captain I have seen all the messages and all the support he is receiving. It’s one of those things where sometimes life is bigger than football.
‘It was one of those where everyone came together. For me, I really appreciate that and I know everyone here appreciates that.
‘But the most important thing now is that he is safe and that he is doing well. He’s here to tell the story. He’s a warrior, he’s a fighter. He always has been that way throughout his career. That’s why I know he will come out of this stronger.”