West Ham wins for Antonio: emotions and solidarity after the accident

West Ham wins for Antonio: emotions and solidarity after the accident

In West Ham United's radiant London stadium on Monday evening, the focus was not only on football, but also on solidarity with injured teammate Michail Antonio. Before the exciting match against Wolverhampton Wanderers, which was won 2-1, the players remembered their 34-year-old teammate during the warm-up by wearing shirts with his number 9 and his name. This win against Wolverhampton has taken West Ham further away from the bottom of the table, while Antonio remains in hospital in a stable condition following critical surgery Small newspaper reported.

Before kick-off, coach Julen Lopetegui spoke of a miracle and thanked God for Antonio's survival of the difficult operation. “We are happy that he survived the operation,” said the Spanish coach. Tomas Soucek, who scored the first goal of the game, dedicated his goal to his combative colleague. The Czech reported an encouraging video call with Antonio, who wished the team all the best and also showed his humor. Captain Jarrod Bowen underlined the deeper connection: "He's not just a teammate. He's a friend. It's one of those things that's bigger than football," quoted Laola1.

The poignant warm-up jerseys are to be auctioned off, with proceeds going to the National Health Service and air rescue. While the team reveled in the celebration of victory, uncertainty remains over Antonio's future return to the pitch, with media reporting that he may have to sit out a year. The thoughts and prayers of the entire West Ham community are with him as an event like this goes far beyond sport.