Michail Antonio’s ex-wife, Debbie Whittle, rushed from Manchester to London to be by the West Ham striker’s side after he was hospitalised following a serious car crash.
West Ham United confirmed that the 34-year-old forward was involved in a major collision on Saturday afternoon. Antonio was rushed to a London hospital, where he is reported to be in a stable condition.
Firefighters worked for 45 minutes to free Antonio from the wreckage of his Ferrari before he was airlifted to the hospital. Upon hearing the news, Whittle traveled from her Manchester home to be at his bedside. Antonio and Whittle, who met in 2011, share four children but divorced shortly after the birth of their youngest, reports the Mirror.
News of the crash began circulating on social media on Saturday, with West Ham confirming the incident in a statement: “West Ham United can confirm striker Michail Antonio has today been involved in a road traffic accident. The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the Club are with Michail, his family, and friends at this time. The Club will issue an update in due course.”
Hours later, the club provided further information, stating: “West Ham United can confirm that Michail Antonio is in a stable condition following a road traffic accident this afternoon in the Essex area. Michail is conscious and communicating and is currently under close supervision at a central London hospital. At this difficult time, we kindly ask everyone to respect the privacy of Michail and his family. The Club will make no further comment this evening, but will issue a further update in due course.”
The Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) also expressed their support for the striker, who represents Jamaica internationally. In a statement, the JFF said: “The Jamaica Football Federation is aware that our striker Michail Antonio was involved in a road traffic accident today. We can confirm that Michail is conscious and communicating and is under close supervision at a hospital in London. At this moment in time, on behalf of West Ham United and the Jamaica Football Federation, we kindly ask everyone to respect the privacy of Michail and his family.”
Reggae Boyz head coach Steve McClaren extended his well-wishes, stating: “On behalf of the entire group of players, support staff, and technical staff, I would like to wish Michail a speedy recovery. Our thoughts and prayers are with him at this time.”
JFF President Michael Ricketts added: “On behalf of the entire Jamaica Football Federation family, I would like to wish Michail a safe and speedy recovery. Let us keep him in our prayers as he recovers.”
Further updates on Antonio’s condition will be provided jointly by West Ham and the Jamaica Football Federation in due course.
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