One who knows Michail Antonio well, having signed him from Nottingham Forest originally, way back in 2015, is former Hammers’ manager Slaven Bilic. The Hammers’ number nine faces a long process of recovery and rehabilitation but, in a detailed report today, amongst others who know Mikey well, Slaven Bilic speaks touchingly of his own knowledge of Antonio’s character.
Including opinions from David Moyes and Jarrod Bowen, the article in The Athletic
gives great insight from people who know the Hammers’ number nine well.
Whilst the battle to get back onto a football pitch may be huge, Bilic backs his recruit:”It’s horrible what happened to him and he has a long recovery ahead. But if anyone can come back from this, it is Michail. I love him like a son. He’s a warrior and that’s just his character.”
West Ham’s Premier League record goalscorer is described by Bilic as being super determined to overcome hurdles – as when he was selected by Sam Allardyce for England’s International squad but :”he was disappointed he didn’t play. I had to do everything to lift his mood. But that’s Michail for you. He’s super ambitious and driven.”
So whilst there are many challenges ahead for Michail, One of those who knows his mindset well suggests he’s got the character and temperament to fight his way back: It’ll be a long road.
I’m sure the club will do everything to support him – and of course the players visiting and keeping him involved with the team camaraderie in the coming months will be super important. There’s hundreds of thousands of Hammers all over the world who are with him in spirit.
I know he to go after a bad run of results but i loved Bilic at West Ham.A man who had character and was funny as well.
Apparently got on the wrong side of sullivan when he laughed at being told that Sullivan and Gold were the dildo brothers!
IF he recovers from this accident & plays competitive football again, I don’t think it will be with West Ham, or in the Premier League. He faces a long lay off, a long recuperation & return to fitness, & by then he will be too old. I wish him all the luck in the world & hope that he will be able to do whatever he wants to do after recovery. But, I don’t think that we will see him in claret & blue again. Thanks for all your efforts for West Ham, Michael.