Michail Antonio has opened up about feeling abandoned by West Ham following a severe car crash in December 2024. The forward, who had been with the club for a decade, suffered a horrific leg break just as his contract was nearing its end. This incident marked a turning point in his relationship with the team's then-manager Graham Potter.
Antonio's Contract Offer and Reaction
After the accident, Antonio was approached by Karren Brady, West Ham's former chairman, who proposed a contract of £5,000 a week to play for the under-21s. “I said, ‘How can you offer £5,000 a week and tell me to play for the under-21s, when the under-21s are on more than that and I’ve been at this club for 10 years?’” Antonio recounted. Brady's response was blunt: “Well, they haven’t been in a car crash and shattered their leg.” This left Antonio feeling disheartened and he ultimately declined the offer.
Antonio's situation worsened as Potter took over during his recovery. The new manager's inability to connect with Antonio was evident. “Graham Potter tried to stop me coming to the training ground for the rest of my contract because I made a comment during something I did with TNT,” he explained. This comment about how clubs treat players led to a confrontation where Potter indicated he preferred Antonio not return to the facility.
Breakdown of Relationship with Graham Potter
Antonio expressed disappointment over how Potter viewed him, stating, “I was in there, making jokes with the boys and he could see that. My character is always to try to make people happy.” Despite his efforts to maintain a positive atmosphere, Potter seemed to perceive him as a negative influence.
