Fornals, Lingard, Zouma react to West Ham ace Michail Antonio's emotional post

03/28/2025 06:44 AM

Michail Antonio took to social media with an emotional message as the West Ham star celebrated a milestone with his supporters.

The 35-year-old has been sidelined since December after being involved in a horrific car accident, leaving the London Stadium favourite with a broken leg and an awful diagnosis.

Arguments are being made in favour of and against the forward being offered a new deal by Graham Potter, but controversial figure Simon Jordan believes West Ham should not pay if Antonio does not play.

With 83 goals in 323 appearances for the Hammers, it is easy to understand why he is such a loved figure in East London, with all that emotion pouring onto his latest social media post.

Michail Antonio celebrates 35th birthday as former teammates come together

Taking to Instagram [28 March], Antonio wrote: Since my 30th birthday, I’ve woken up on my birthdays not really fussed about the day and I did the same thing this morning until the realisation hit me.

“I actually almost didn’t make it to this birthday. So, I just want to thank God for saving me and allowing me to make it to another birthday. I also want to say happy birthday to everyone whose birthday it is today.

“Let’s live it up,” with the message receiving birthday wishes from Pablo Fornals and Jesse Lingard, with former defender Kurt Zouma replying: “Love you, my brother,” with a red love heart.

Graham Potter still desperate for new striker at West Ham

Football Insider verdict

Whether Antonio returns to full fitness at the London Stadium or not, at 35 years of age, he cannot be the answer to the Hammers’ current issues up front, or long term.

Jarrod Bowen is currently carrying West Ham on his back, with Lucas Paqueta and Mohammed Kudus experiencing awful campaigns in East London, and providing the winger with zero support.

West Ham’s signing of Niclas Fullkrug has completely backfired, with the German being sidelined since January after already missing a series of matches, and Evan Ferguson has done little to impress as yet.

With the summer transfer window soon opening up, Potter and Kyle Macaulay will be hoping for David Sullivan to reach deep into his pockets, just like he did during the previous summer window.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Jean-Clair Todibo have been strong purchases so far, but with Crysencio Summerville, Guido Rodriguez and Luis Guilherme’s careers all stalling, there needs to be another squad overhaul.

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