Hammers release Antonio | OneFootball

West Ham have confirmed that Michail Antonio will not be signing a new contract as a first-team player, although talks remain ongoing regarding a possible off-pitch role at the club.

The 35-year-old hasn’t featured at senior level since a serious car accident in December that nearly claimed his life.

Speaking in Atlanta last week, Hammers manager Graham Potter suggested Antonio was unlikely to be part of his plans for the upcoming season.

Antonio made 323 appearances across a decade at the club, scoring 83 times, and famously started the 2023 Europa Conference League final when West Ham ended their 43-year wait for silverware.

He represented Jamaica at the Concacaf Gold Cup this summer, making three appearances, and also played for West Ham’s Under-21s in a pre-season friendly against Boreham Wood last month.

It’s understood that discussions are taking place around a possible mentoring or coaching position within West Ham’s academy setup.

"Michail will always be a much-loved and respected member of the West Ham United family," a club statement read.

"As has been the case since December, the club will continue to support and assist him in his ongoing rehabilitation, offering him access to training, facilities and medical care if needed."

Signed from Nottingham Forest for £7m in 2015, Antonio holds the record as West Ham’s top Premier League goalscorer, netting 68 times in 268 league matches.