Official statement as West Ham plan to unveil banner before Newcastle United clash

A brush with death saw the 34-year-old crash his £260,000 Ferrari last year - breaking a leg and leaving the supercar in tatters. Antonio was trapped inside the vehicle for almost an hour as emergency services desperately tried to rescue him.

Distressing pictures of his Ferrari leaked online and an eerie silence had supporters fearing the worst. West Ham later confirmed Antonio - out of contract at the end of the season - as being in a stable condition.

The forward honestly reflected on the experience a month later as he plotted his road to recovery. Antonio posted on social media: "Every year around this time, I’m asked what I’m grateful for, and every year I’ve struggled to find the right words. 

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“But this year, I know exactly what I’m grateful for: being alive. 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.”

Antonio is now set to return when West Ham face Newcastle United tonight, albeit not in a playing capacity. He will receive a warm pre-match welcome 10 minutes before kick-off, with home fans also unveiling a tribute.

“We’re welcoming Michail Antonio back to London Stadium tonight as he makes a pitchside appearance before the Newcastle game,” a club statement read. “Ironworks Alliance are displaying a banner in the Bobby Moore Lower to show our support for our No9. Please be in your seats before 7.50pm to participate.”