Michail Antonio sends emotional message to West Ham fans as new club confirmed
Michail Antonio has taken to social media with a heartwarming message to the West Ham United fans following the confirmation of his new club.
The 35-year-old is set to make a long-awaited return to football after suffering a near-fatal car accident back in December 2024, and not playing for the Hammers since.
Antonio became the club's all-time leading Premier League goalscorer during his decade-long stay in East London, notching over 300 appearances before confirming his new move to Al-Sailiya in Qatar.
West Ham have struggled with striker signings over the years, but with Taty Castellanos now leading the line at the London Stadium, and Callum Wilson in reserve, Nuno Espirito Santo has options at his disposal.
Michail Antonio bids final farewell to West Ham fans
The Jamaican international was never given a proper send-off at the London Stadium, though he did continue to feature on the international stage as his nation got into the qualifications for the World Cup.
After securing his move to Qatar, Antonio poured his heart out over X, thanking everyone associated with his former club after a 10-year spell with the Hammers.
He even admitted that he "probably" would have retired at West Ham, but that life got in the way of the perfect ending to his career, with the striker now set to play his football in the Middle East.
Supporters back at the London Stadium would still love for the striker to return one last time so they can thank him for his years of dedication, but most of the replies were just messages of love and support.
How has Nuno Espirito Santo filled the striker void?
With three goals in his first 10 appearances, including a goal in the 5-2 defeat to Liverpool at the weekend, Castellanos has already settled well into life in East London.
Wilson has also chipped in with goals since his free transfer during the summer, notching five goals and an assist in the Premier League.
Mick Brown has revealed to Football Insider, however, that West Ham could be forced to sell Jarrod Bowen, even if the team avoid relegation to the Championship.
The former Hull City star has often played through the middle, especially when Antonio was sidelined, but with the mess the club have managed to get themselves into, he may not be their hero for much longer.