Michail Antonio says he had to swallow his ego and reset his mindset after English clubs refused to even look at him following his near fatal car crash, as he prepares to make his first club appearance in 15 months with Qatari side Al Sailiya.
The 35 year old striker has joined the Qatar Stars League outfit on a short term deal, marking a remarkable chapter in his comeback story. Antonio suffered multiple leg fractures in December 2024 when his car crashed during severe weather conditions. The accident left him fighting not only to return to football, but to walk, run and jump again.
Despite rebuilding his fitness and making three substitute appearances for Jamaica in June, Antonio revealed that several English clubs were hesitant to sign him. He said some managers were interested, but owners blocked potential moves because of concerns over his injury history.
Initially, Antonio resisted the idea of trial training. He believed his Premier League record and international appearances should have been enough to secure a contract. Over time, reality forced him to reconsider.
After continuing rehabilitation at West Ham and training with the under 21 squad, he eventually agreed to prove himself on the pitch. He spent two weeks training with Brentford in a bid to earn a deal, showing the determination that defined his rise through English football.
Antonio’s journey has rarely been straightforward. Before becoming West Ham’s all time Premier League top scorer with 68 goals, he climbed from non league football at Tooting and Mitcham to the top tier. That resilience resurfaced during his recovery, though he admitted the setbacks were mentally draining.
He described moments of emotional collapse, particularly when injuries disrupted potential moves to Brentford and Leicester City. A torn calf on the eve of signing one deal left him devastated. Another opportunity faded due to medical concerns, forcing him to train alone before exploring options elsewhere.
His eventual move to Al Sailiya came quickly after a recommendation from Jamaica team mate Mason Holgate. The short term contract gives Antonio a platform to regain rhythm while reassessing his future in the summer. With Jamaica still chasing World Cup qualification, staying match fit remains a priority.
Antonio insists the Qatar switch is not about money but about opportunity and longevity. He believes managing his workload in a less congested league could help him stay healthy and extend his career.
Beyond football, Antonio spoke about the role of therapy in helping him process both personal challenges and professional setbacks. Learning to confront emotions rather than suppress them has become central to his comeback.
Now, after 15 months away from club competition, Antonio says he feels like a schoolboy again. The anticipation of matchday, the smell of the grass and the fight for three points are finally within reach once more.
