West Ham release Antonio eight months after crash
Baku, August 8, AZERTAC
West Ham have confirmed Michail Antonio will not be signing a new deal as a first-team player for the club but negotiations continue over a future role, BBC reported.
The 35-year-old did not make another appearance for West Ham at senior level following the horrific car crash in December that nearly cost him his life.
Hammers boss Graham Potter had said in Atlanta last week that Antonio was not likely to be involved in his squad this season.
He made 323 appearances over a 10-year period at the club, scoring 83 goals, and started the 2023 Conference League final when West Ham ended their 43-year wait for a trophy.
Antonio did make three appearances for Jamaica at the Concacaf Gold Cup this summer and also turned out for West Ham Under-21s in a pre-season game at Boreham Wood last month.
It is understood the continuing discussions with Antonio could potentially lead to a coaching and mentoring role within West Ham's academy.
"Michail will always be a much-loved and respected member of the West Ham United family," a statement said.
"As has been the case since December, the club will continue to support and assist him in his ongoing rehabilitation, offering him access to training, facilities and medical care if needed."
A £7m signing from Nottingham Forest in 2015, Antonio is West Ham's record Premier League scorer with 68 goals in 268 top-flight matches.
He was named Hammer of the Year during West Ham's first season at London Stadium in 2016-17.
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