SwedenLivingWorld world_2_fill WorldBusiness BusinessSports sports-soccer SportsEntertainmentEntertain

Premier League Striker: "Close to Death"

At the beginning of December, West Ham's Michail Antonio crashed his Ferrari into a tree and broke his thigh bone in four places. Now he's speaking out about the accident – and telling what he thought when he saw what was left of the car. Then I realized how close I was to dying, says the 34-year-old to BBC.

» Published: March 17 2025 at 18:55

Premier League Striker: "Close to Death"
Photo: Dave Shopland/AP/TT

The striker's rehabilitation after the terrible accident is in full swing. The doctors' initial prognosis was that it would take six to twelve months for Antonio to recover, but he is already two to three months ahead of schedule.

I will definitely play football again, he says.

But the feeling has not always been so positive for the 34-year-old.

After the crash, he was operated on and got "a rod in his leg with four bolts". He also recently visited the wrecking yard where he saw what was left of the Ferrari.

I got a bad feeling in my stomach. Then I realized how close I was to dying.

Antonio has six children and says that the toughest part after the accident was not being able to be there for them.

But now I'm happy and positively inclined towards life, because it feels like I've been given a second chance.

The striker has played over 300 matches for West Ham during his career in the London club, and was involved in all 14 Premier League matches this season before the incident.

TTT
By TTThis article has been altered and translated by Sweden Herald

More news

Landeskog trains with the team: "Making progress"

Landeskog trains with the team: "Making progress"

Rubensson's tough year: "Will always be a sorrow"

Rubensson's tough year: "Will always be a sorrow"

Nylander dominated in Toronto's rout

Nylander dominated in Toronto's rout

Anger in AIK after loss: "So damn irritated"

Anger in AIK after loss: "So damn irritated"

Växjö Shut Out Örebro – Larsson Sank Old Team

Växjö Shut Out Örebro – Larsson Sank Old Team

Rosengård best in town – on to the semifinals

Rosengård best in town – on to the semifinals

Elanga on Tomasson: "A fantastic person"

Elanga on Tomasson: "A fantastic person"

Malmgren to miss European Championship - talent replaces

Malmgren to miss European Championship - talent replaces

Criticism of new rule: "Will cause trouble"

Criticism of new rule: "Will cause trouble"

The Best Striker in the Premier League

The Best Striker in the Premier League

After the scandals – boxing gets a new Olympic chance

After the scandals – boxing gets a new Olympic chance

17-year-old's super time – challenges Bolt

17-year-old's super time – challenges Bolt

Injured Gyökeres misses the gathering: "Had problems"

Injured Gyökeres misses the gathering: "Had problems"

"Became "Chinese" last week – plays World Championship qualifying"

"Became "Chinese" last week – plays World Championship qualifying"

Star back in Colorado – had to pay the bill

Star back in Colorado – had to pay the bill

Got Criticism – but Three Seasons Were Enough for Gold

Got Criticism – but Three Seasons Were Enough for Gold

Disaster for Rune in the final: "That's life"

Disaster for Rune in the final: "That's life"

Talent injured in United's rout

Talent injured in United's rout

New Sensation: 17-year-old wins Indian Wells

New Sensation: 17-year-old wins Indian Wells

Modo won again – after a thriller against HV71

Modo won again – after a thriller against HV71

Kamga's success - victory and world's best performance of the year

Kamga's success - victory and world's best performance of the year

Malmö to Cup Final after Extra Time Drama

Malmö to Cup Final after Extra Time Drama

Isak the hero when Newcastle won the league cup final

Isak the hero when Newcastle won the league cup final

Malmö to Cup Final after Extra Time Drama

Malmö to Cup Final after Extra Time Drama

Won 45 million kronor – after three played holes

Won 45 million kronor – after three played holes

After the drama – the giant talent decided for DIF

After the drama – the giant talent decided for DIF

Great Disappointment in Luleå: "It Sucks"

Great Disappointment in Luleå: "It Sucks"

Historic Goal Scorer: "It's Incredibly Fun"

Historic Goal Scorer: "It's Incredibly Fun"

Unexpected Match Hero in the London Derby

Unexpected Match Hero in the London Derby

Frölunda takes historic gold: "It's magical"

Frölunda takes historic gold: "It's magical"

Swedish success: Victory in the mixed relay

Swedish success: Victory in the mixed relay

Häcken reaches cup final: "Maximum luck"

Häcken reaches cup final: "Maximum luck"

Biathlete beat Poromaa: "Doesn't meet the standard"

Biathlete beat Poromaa: "Doesn't meet the standard"

Sweden second in single mixed relay: "A revenge"

Sweden second in single mixed relay: "A revenge"

Footballer Doris Fitschen has died

Footballer Doris Fitschen has died

Appeals the disqualification again: "I'm damn angry"

Appeals the disqualification again: "I'm damn angry"

The Surprise Winner: "I've been fumbling a bit in the dark"

The Surprise Winner: "I've been fumbling a bit in the dark"

Hamilton frustrated: "Worse than I thought"

Hamilton frustrated: "Worse than I thought"

Got a club around the neck – leaves reassuring message

Got a club around the neck – leaves reassuring message

Sweden Lost World Championship Thriller Against Canada

Sweden Lost World Championship Thriller Against Canada