8<\/p>\n Antonio achieved a lifelong dream when he helped West Ham win the Europa Conference LeagueCredit: Getty<\/p>\n He made 323 appearances over 10 years at the club, scoring 83 goals en route to becoming their leading Premier League<\/a> goalscorer.<\/p>\n The forward hasn’t played for the Hammers since he broke his leg in four places<\/a> when he\u00a0crashed his \u00a3260,000 Ferrari into a tree.<\/p>\n But Antonio returned to professional football in June for Jamaica during the Gold Cup, and has turned out for West Ham’s U21s.<\/p>\n The former right-back, who is currently a TNT Sports pundit for the Community Shield, insisted his playing days are far from done<\/a>.<\/p>\n During an exclusive interview with talkSPORT’s chief football correspondent, Alex Crook, at Wembley, Antonio was asked whether his new role means we’ve seen the last of him as a player.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, definitely not,\u201d Antonio replied. \u201cI’m speaking to clubs right now to see where the best offer is for me to go, and we’ll just see how it goes.\u201d<\/p>\n On what level he’s looking to find himself at, the England-born star continued: \u201cTo be honest, there’s a mixture, we’re talking to clubs here, we’re talking to clubs abroad, but I’m going to leave it very vague – talk to clubs in England and abroad.\u201d<\/p>\n Antonio did let slip that one of the aims of his next club would be the opportunity to give himself the best chance of playing in the World Cup.<\/p>\n The Reggae Boyz, whose only appearance at the finals came in 1998, have appointed Steve McClaren<\/a> as manager in a bid to reach the tournament in America next summer.<\/p>\n \u201cIndeed, 100 per cent [it’s an aim to play in the US in 2026]. \u201cThat’s one thing I’ve not managed to achieve for myself, to be playing in the World Cup, and Jamaica are very close to it.<\/p>\n 8<\/p>\n Antonio is a West Ham legend 8<\/p>\n He switched his allegiance to Jamaica from England back in March 2021Credit: GETTY<\/p>\n \u201cIt’s not just that, I just wouldn’t want my career to come to an end by a car crash, literally. <\/p>\n \u201cSo I’ve got something to prove to show that I can come back, I can come back and play well, which I was doing for the last ten years.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEven before I did the car crash, I was starting for West Ham, so it shows that I’ve still got the ability about me and I can do it again.<\/p>\n Michail Antonio’s recovery<\/p>\n On the physical and mental challenges<\/a> from rebuilding his fitness, Antonio said: \u201cIt was very hard to come over it. It was a 12-month injury, I managed to do it in five and a half months. <\/p>\n \u201cI managed to play for Jamaica in the summer, like you just said, and I managed to score two goals in the 21s game, so it shows I can still get my goals.<\/p>\n 8<\/p>\n Antonio was in the hospital for more than three weeksCredit: Instagram – michailantonio<\/p>\n \u201cBut it has been difficult mentally. <\/p>\n \u201cI obviously had to go into therapy and things like that to try and build up and get myself back through it, but I’m very good now. <\/p>\n \u201cI’m very good, I’m very happy, I’m very content with where I am. I’m just going to wait for my football club to come in, and then I’ll start showing everybody that I’m not just good in my mind, I’m not just good physically, I’m good on the pitch.\u201d<\/p>\n Antonio also made a plea to West Ham fans to accept his close friend<\/a> and replacement at the London Stadium, Callum Wilson<\/a>.<\/p>\n Nine-cap England international Wilson, who turned 34 this season, signed a one-year deal with the Irons<\/a> after leaving\u00a0Newcastle<\/a>.<\/p>\n 8<\/p>\n Wilson was unveiled at the London Stadium for West Ham’s friendly with LilleCredit: Getty<\/p>\n His agent, Will Salthouse, has a close relationship with David Sullivan<\/a> and approached the Hammers owner over a move for the striker.<\/p>\n West Ham responded with an offer to Wilson of a minimal salary with bonuses for goals and appearances, which he accepted.<\/p>\n However, the club’s fans have largely against his signing on social media, in part due to both his age and injury record.<\/p>\n Wilson, who spent the equivalent of three full 38-game seasons sidelined during five years at Newcastle, has also scored more goals against West Ham than any other club.<\/p>\n To add insult to injury, Wilson has incurred the ire of Hammers supporters for various comments against Potter’s men.<\/p>\n The 33-year-old referred to his handball goal against them for Bournemouth<\/a> as a \u2018touch of magic\u2019.<\/p>\n 8<\/p>\n Wilson loved scoring goals against West HamCredit: AFP 8<\/p>\n Wilson faced a backlash from West Ham fans over his arrival at the clubAntonio makes Wilson plea to West Ham fans<\/p>\n Wilson also mocked West Ham\u2019s 2023 Conference League<\/a> triumph, saying it was as meaningful as winning a trophy on FC, FKA, FIFA<\/a>.<\/p>\n He made the latter comments on the Footballers\u2019 Football Podcast alongside Antonio, who unsurprisingly came out in support.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, to be fair, the podcast was fun, and there was a bit of banter between me and him,\u201d Antonio told talkSPORT.<\/p>\n \u201cSo I feel like he’s going to be there, he’s giving his all for the club, all for the shirt. <\/p>\n \u201cI feel like the West Ham fans should support him, he’s a good friend of mine, and he is a quality player, all you need to do is try and keep him fierce. <\/p>\n \u201cIf we keep him fit, he will guarantee to bring goals to the club. So just back the boy and he’s come from me.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"Antonio](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/GettyImages-1496914574.jpg\")
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