West Ham star Michail Antonio has opened up about fresh heartbreak in his personal life, leading to a wave of support from fans.
The striker’s honest and emotional update has struck a chord with Hammers supporters, who have rushed to show their love for the long-serving forward.
It comes in the wake of an update on Michail Antonio’s future at West Ham, which is now seriously in doubt as he refuses to accept the terms of a new deal.
After 10 years, 323 appearances, 83 goals, 35 assists, a major trophy and some of the most memorable celebrations the Premier League has seen, Antonio could be set to leave the Irons.
Last month Hammers News reported on claims that West Ham had wished Antonio all the best for the future after talks over a new contract broke down.
The Hammers have long been mulling whether to hand Antonio a new deal depending on his recovery from his quadruple leg break in that car crash in December.
Antonio’s future looks set to be away from West Ham
Antonio admitted he could be set to leave West Ham this summer during an emotional interview at the end of last season.
Especially as Graham Potter looks to lower the age of West Ham’s squad and in light of his ruthless decisions to release other long-serving players including Aaron Cresswell, Lukasz Fabianski and Vladimir Coufal.
The Athletic’s Hammers reporter Roshane Thomas stated a contract extension for Antonio was looking increasingly unlikely.
West Ham have offered Antonio a short-term deal on a lower base salary heavily geared towards appearances.
But a top West Ham insider claimed that Antonio’s agent Mike Appiason believes his client will be better off with another club who can offer him a longer contract on better wages.
This weekend ExWHUemployee confirmed the club and Antonio still cannot agree on a salary structure for a new deal.
Antonio is still said to be looking for a more lucrative contract than the one currently on offer from West Ham.
In a Hammers News exclusive this week, West Ham confirmed they are looking to sign up to two new strikers this summer.
But the 35-year-old’s future at West Ham is very much secondary right now.
Because West Ham star Antonio has shared his new heartbreak as fans rally around the striker.
It has been a very tough time for Antonio off the pitch in recent years.
He had touched on the fact his mother was not well previously.
‘Free now’ Antonio shares new heartbreak as fans rally
Now Antonio has taken to social media to confirm the sad news she has passed away following a long battle with health issues.
And his heart-breaking message has prompted an outpouring of condolences from fans – and not just West Ham supporters.
“Hello mum it’s your baby boy here,” an emotional Antonio said on his Instagram Stories.
“Your time in this world has come to an end.
“The last five years it has been difficult seeing you sat in that bed not being able to see and not being able to walk.
“But nothing could ever prepare me for you leaving me.
“It hurts you not being here but at least you are no longer in pain and you’re no longer restricted to a bed and you can see us all now, you’re free now.”
Credit: Michail Antonio Instagram
Football family show Antonio love after star’s mother passes away
West Ham are famous for being a family club.
Graham Potter has remarked on several occasions that it is one of the big things that has struck him since taking over the Hammers in January.
While opinion has been divided among fans over what should be done about Antonio’s future, that has not stopped Hammers supporters showing their class in response to the striker’s sad personal news.
“Awful news for Michail Antonio,” West Ham Place said on X.
“He has had a terrible time of late and I really, really feel for him.
“Thinking of you Mickey.”
“All my thoughts and prayers are currently with Michail Antonio,” another Hammers fans stated.
“Michail Antonio has announced the death of his mother. May she rest eternally in peace,” West Ham Report said.
Gunners fan account The Arsenal Note paid their own tribute.
They said: “Michail Antonio’s mother passed away. On top of everything else that happened this year, he’s now mourning the death of his mother. The West Ham and Jamaican part of our Red family sends condolences to you and your dear ones.”
Another fan said the news shows there are ‘bigger things than football’.
“May she rest in peace and all the strength to him and his Family. Bigger things than football.”
Another Arsenal fan shared a message for the West Ham man.
“May her soul rest in peace, my thoughts are with him and his family.”
A Newcastle supporter shared the love too.
“Hope he comes back stronger from this, great lad with everything going on a feel for him and his family and hope things get better,” Up The Mags said.
Football fan James Green added: “Oh so very sad to read this. He’s had a rough time. To lose his mum now I can’t imagine the pain, even if it was a blessing in the end. My thoughts are with him and his family and West Ham players.”
A fan of West Ham’s bitter rivals Tottenham suggested Antonio would also have been affected by the circumstances of the death of Diogo Jota following a car crash.
A Liverpool fan added: “This guy has really suffered last 12 months or so, really feel for him.”
Another Spurs supporter paid their respects.
“Irreplaceable loss. May her soul rest in peace. Strength to Micky,” the supporter said.
Hammers News would also like to extend its condolences to Antonio over his loss. You only get one mum and we send our thoughts, prayers and love to his family.
