'I've spent so many years taking life for granted' - Michail Antonio speaks for first time since car crash | OneFootball

West Ham United striker Michail Antonio has spoken publicly for the first time since being involved in a life-threatening car accident that left him hospitalised for over three weeks.

Antonio crashed into a tree during a drive in Essex on 7 December and was airlifted to a London hospital, where he had surgery on a broken leg the following day. The player spent Christmas being treated and under observation but was eventually discharged on New Year's Eve.

Now, Antonio has taken a moment to thank those who have supported and helped him, as well as expressing a new-found gratitude for life given his ordeal.

"Every year around this time, I'm asked what I'm grateful for, and every year I've struggled to find the right words. But this year, I know exactly what I'm grateful for: being alive," he said in a statement published by West Ham's official website.

"I want to take a moment to acknowledge something I've come to realise – I've spent so many years taking life for granted. I made plans for the next day, the next year, always assuming tomorrow was guaranteed. I've seen close friends pass away, witnessed others face near-death experiences, and even then, I didn't fully grasp just how precious life is.

West Ham teammates have dedicated recent games to Antonio / Justin Setterfield/GettyImages

"What I've been through recently has opened my eyes. Life is fragile, and every single moment matters. I'm so grateful to God for giving me the strength to keep going and for allowing me to still be here.

"To the emergency services, the NHS, The Air Ambulance, everyone at the Royal London and Cromwell Hospitals and everyone from top to bottom at West Ham United FC. The medical team, The board, all of the staff, my teammates and the amazing West Ham fans…I honestly could not have got through this without you. thank you from the bottom of my heart. To my loved ones who stood by my side throughout everything, I can't express how much you mean to me.

"Lastly, to the whole football community, thank you for all the love and support you've shown me. It has truly meant the world. I love you all and I am endlessly grateful for every one of you.

"Happy New Year – and I’ll be back on that pitch soon."

West Ham have raised almost £60,000 to donate to NHS and Air Ambulance charities in honour of the treatment Antonio has received, auctioning match-worn shirts and then matching the amount.