Mikhail Antonio (35, West Ham United) reflected on the horrific car accident he experienced about 3 months ago.

British BBC reported on the 17th (Korea time) that "Antonio does not remember the process of the car colliding with a tree. The only thing he knows is that he was the one who caused the accident," revealing an exclusive interview with the West Ham forward.

Antonio is one of the greatest forwards in West Ham's history. Since transferring from Nottingham Forest in 2015, he has scored 83 goals in 323 matches. He has established himself as the club's all-time leading scorer with 68 goals in 268 Premier League matches. However, his football career nearly faltered due to an unexpected major accident last December.

At that time, Antonio's vehicle skidded on a rainy road and collided with a tree. The impact was so severe that it took firefighters an hour to rescue him from the car. At that time, The Sun reported, "Antonio was trapped for about an hour in a partially wrecked £260,000 (approximately 489 million won) Ferrari. He was then rushed to the hospital."

Actual photos from the accident scene were released, showing the passenger side of the vehicle completely crushed and debris scattered everywhere. Just looking at the severely damaged vehicle hinted at the power of the accident.

In an interview with BBC, Antonio recalled, "That day was the worst weather with strong winds and humidity. The back of the Ferrari was shaking while I was driving, and I felt uneasy. I had only owned the car for 3 weeks but was considering returning it."

Antonio has experienced short-term memory loss due to the severe shock of the accident. He said, "I don't remember anything. The strange thing is that I was conscious during the moment of the accident. I talked to the police and rescuers, but I have no recollection of it."

He was found between the passenger seat and the back seat, not in the driver's seat after the collision. Antonio said, "The police said it looked like I tried to escape through the window. But my leg was severely broken, and I was in no condition to move," recalling the situation at that time.

He added, "What scared me the most was that I almost couldn’t be with my kids. I received a new opportunity for life. Now, I have a more positive outlook on life."

About 3 weeks ago, he personally checked the wreckage of the accident vehicle at the junkyard. He said, "It was ten times more shocking to see it in person than in photos. The car was completely ruined. The moment I saw it, I realized how close I was to death."

He suffered severe injuries to both legs in the accident. "The femur broke in four places. The doctors inserted four bolts into my thigh, then secured it with screws. At first, they said I shouldn’t put any weight on it for 3 months, but now I am able to walk. Another specialist advised that I should gradually increase the weight on my legs within 3 weeks," he explained.

Currently, Antonio is undergoing rehabilitation training in Dubai. He is making positive changes in preparation for his return in the warm climate. He said, "I have always been doubted. But my mental strength is firm. This injury is just another challenge, and it cannot stop me," showing strong determination.

Recalling a moment when he was asked about the possibility of retirement, he said, "Two weeks ago, physical therapists asked me if I had retirement insurance. That night, I couldn’t sleep at all. But now, I am only focusing on recovery. I go to the gym six times a week and am committed to rehabilitation," he expressed confidence in a quick return.

On the 11th, Antonio visited West Ham's home stadium, London Stadium, to meet the fans. He received a warm welcome from the fans, marking his first visit to the stadium since the accident. The Premier League office reported, "Antonio made an emotional return to London Stadium, reuniting with fans just three months after suffering a serious car accident, receiving a huge cheer."

Although West Ham lost 0-1 to Newcastle, it was a special day for the fans. Before the match, West Ham fans unfurled a large banner that read, "Mikhail Antonio - Our No. 9," welcoming his return as the club's all-time leading scorer. Antonio visibly appeared moved.

Graham Potter, West Ham's manager, also expressed his trust in Antonio. He said, "We are continually monitoring Antonio's condition. He has gone through a serious accident but is overcoming it fantastically. Although we haven't set a date for his return, it is clear that he is heading in the right direction," providing a positive outlook.

[Photo] BBC, The Sun, Mikhail Antonio, Sky Sports social media.

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