West Ham United have officially announced that long-serving forward Michail Antonio will be departing the club this summer following the expiration of his contract.
Antonio, a Jamaican international, has not featured for the Hammers since suffering a devastating car accident in December that resulted in a broken leg.
The injury sidelined him for the remainder of the campaign, and with his contract expiring at the end of June, new head coach Graham Potter has confirmed that the 34-year-old does not feature in his plans for the upcoming season.
Club to Continue Supporting Antonio’s Recovery
Despite his departure, West Ham have pledged to continue supporting Antonio through his rehabilitation journey.
In a heartfelt statement released on Thursday, the club expressed gratitude for his decade of service and acknowledged the impact he made both on and off the pitch.
“Michail will always be a cherished and respected part of the West Ham United family,” the club stated. “As has been the case since his accident in December, the Club will maintain its support for his recovery, offering access to training grounds, medical care, and rehabilitation facilities as needed.”
The statement also hinted at the possibility of Antonio taking on a new role at the club in the future, one that would allow him to pass on his experience and leadership to the next generation.
“Discussions are ongoing regarding a potential future role for Michail within the Club, a capacity that would allow others to benefit from his experience and passion. His legacy will forever be etched in the club’s 130-year history.”
A Decade of Dedication in Claret and Blue
Antonio joined West Ham in 2015 and became one of the club’s most influential and beloved players. Over ten years, he earned a reputation for his versatility, commitment, and crucial goals.
“Everyone at West Ham United extends heartfelt thanks to Michail for his outstanding dedication and contributions in a Claret and Blue shirt over the last decade,” the statement concluded. “Further tributes to his remarkable journey will be shared across the Club’s official channels in the coming days and weeks.”