West Ham United have officially announced that Michail Antonio, their all-time Premier League top scorer, will be leaving the club following the expiration of his contract last month. The 35-year-old striker, who made an inspiring return to professional football in June after breaking his leg in four places during a December Ferrari crash, is now seeking a new opportunity after a decade of loyal service to the East London club.
A Remarkable Tenure at West Ham
The Hammers confirmed in a club statement that Antonio “will not be signing a new deal as a first-team player with the club,” marking the end of a remarkable career where he scored 83 goals in 323 appearances across all competitions since joining from Nottingham Forest in September 2015.
Antonio’s journey with West Ham has been nothing short of exceptional. Arriving as a right-sided player for £7 million, he showcased incredible versatility—playing positions ranging from right-back to winger before discovering his true calling as a center-forward. This positional shift transformed his career, ultimately making him West Ham’s leading Premier League goalscorer with 68 goals to his name.
Celebrating Achievements and Memorable Moments
One of Antonio’s crowning achievements came in Prague last year, where he played a vital role in ending the club’s 43-year trophy drought by securing the Europa Conference League title against Fiorentina. During that triumphant 2022/23 European campaign, Antonio contributed six goals, helping the Hammers lift the coveted silverware and etch their names in club folklore.
His recovery from the horrific accident in December showcased his remarkable determination. Antonio successfully returned to competitive action in June, featuring for Jamaica in a CONCACAF Gold Cup match against Guatemala. He also recently appeared for West Ham’s Under-21 side against Boreham Wood, scoring twice in that match.
Continued Support from West Ham
West Ham has confirmed they will continue to support Antonio’s rehabilitation, providing him with “access to training, facilities, and medical care if needed.” There is ongoing dialogue about a potential future role at the club, as new manager Graham Potter hinted at a possible coaching or mentoring position for the Under-21s.
“If anything, it will be a role—maybe looking at with the 21s, coaching, mentoring, that type of thing. But again, that will be up to him,” Potter explained ahead of West Ham’s clash with Lille.
A Fitting Farewell
The club has promised Antonio a proper farewell at the London Stadium, celebrating his “magnificent contribution” across official channels in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, the Hammers have moved to strengthen their attacking options with the signing of Callum Wilson.
Legacy Secured
Whatever comes next for Antonio, his legacy at West Ham is firmly secured. From that unforgettable goal in the Farewell Boleyn match against Manchester United to being named Hammer of the Year in the club’s first season at the London Stadium, he has given fans countless memories to cherish.
For a player who has excelled in nearly every position except center-back and central midfield, it seems the only role he couldn’t master at West Ham was ‘contract negotiator.’ However, with his talent and character, he won’t be short of options for the next chapter of his remarkable career.