2 weeks ago
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West Ham United, in a club statement released yesterday, have confirmed they will part ways with Jamaican international Michail Antonio following the expiry of his contract at the end of the 2024/25 season.
“West Ham United can confirm that, following the expiry of his contract at the end of last season, Michail Antonio will not be signing a new deal as a first-team player with the Club,” the statement read.
“Everyone at West Ham United would like to sincerely thank Michail for his outstanding, dedicated service in a Claret and Blue shirt over the last ten years.”
Antonio, who recently recovered from a horrible car accident in December last year, had been a mainstay at the London-based club since his arrival in 2015.
Though deployed by the club in multiple positions in his early days, which included stints as a right-back, Antonio’s prowess in front of goal would see him earning his spot as West Ham’s preferred striker.
In his ten years at the club, Antonio won West Ham’s Player of the Year award during the 2016-17 season and the Premier League Player of the Month award twice.
He also claimed European accolade, winning the 2022-23 UEFA Europa Conference League (UECL) title where he was named in the team of the season.
HIs 68 goals scored in the Premier League also makes him the club’s all-time Premier League leading goalscorer, and his overall tally of 83 sees him ranked sixth in the club’s all-time rankings.
FUTURE CONNECTIONS
Though his time as a player at the club has come to an end, West Ham has not closed to the door on one of their most iconic figures over the last decade.
In their statement, the club announced they will still be assisting the player in his rehabilitation following his injury.
They are also in talks with Antonio with the proposal of an alternative role which will see him passing on his wealth of experience to other players at the club.
“Michail will always be a much-loved and respected member of the West Ham United family. As has been the case since December, the Club will continue to support and assist him in his ongoing rehabilitation, offering him access to training, facilities and medical care if needed,” the club statement continued.
“Dialogue continues over his future involvement with the club in an alternative capacity – including one that would enable others to benefit from his experience and leadership qualities – and he will forever hold a special place in our 130-year history.”
English (US) ·