Funny old game, football, the way in which stories are woven involving ex- players coming back with new clubs, meaning fans suddenly have to learn that players they once loved are now wearing someone else’s team colours.
The first time Declan Rice appeared in red and white at London Stadium was a real gut wrencher for many who’d last seen him as a Hammer lift the club’s first trophy in over 40 years.
Alongside Declan on that evening in June 2023 was Michail Antonio, destined to leave West Ham with no contract and no ‘farewell’ after his Irons deal ran down post-car crash. West Ham’s Premier league record scorer, still, Antonio left after a decade in east London and sixty eight Hammers goals – still a record ahead of Jarrod Bowen’s stalled total of 65.
West Ham’s leading two Premier League goal scorers
Irons’ fans will now be able to experience seeing Antonio on the pitch once again – but as an opponent – after news emerged today that the striker has finally proven his return to fitness and earned a contract with a Championship competitor, as broken by talkSPORT:
“Michail Antonio has signed for Watford on a one-year deal”
Credit to Mikey for overcoming a dreadful injury that would have ended most sportsmen’s careers.
He’ll no doubt be keen to prove his prowess when the Hornets travel to London Stadium on 17th April 2027 and I’ll stand up and welcome him back after ten years’ superb service to the club. Just hope he doesn’t grab the winning goal against us.
Talking of ex west ham players why can’t Mukasa play a striker role whilst Taty is injured.
This is a position which is no stranger to him.
Stalled? He just banged in 2!
There was a time when that would have been a real concern, but if anything like his last form with us it won’t be.