West Ham reveal how they will pay tribute to Michail Antonio after star’s horror Ferrari crash on way home from training left him with serious limb damage

West Ham have revealed players will wear special shirts bearing Michail Antonio’s name before their game against Wolves after his horror crash left him with serious limb damage.

Antonio, 34, underwent surgery on a fractured leg this weekend following the accident. 

The incident occurred on Saturday lunchtime as Antonio crashed his silver Ferrari in Epping Forest, Essex, which saw him end up in the passenger seat.

Antonio was trapped for more than 45 minutes as fire crews attempted to free him from his car.

West Ham confirmed on Saturday night that Antonio was in a stable condition and was ‘conscious and communicating’ after being airlifted to hospital. A further statement on Sunday confirmed that he had undergone surgery. 

In a statement on Monday, West Ham confirmed players will warm-up in ‘Antonio 9’ shirts ahead of the match with Wolves at the London Stadium – their first since the crash – as well as walking out in tops adorning the striker’s name. 

Photos have emerged of a smashed Ferrari, reportedly showing the aftermath of the crash

Michail Antonio was involved in a car accident on Saturday that left him with ‘a lower limb fracture’

The club added that they will auction off the tops, which will be signed by Antonio and every other member of the squad.

‘In addition, every match-worn shirt from the Wolves fixture will also be auctioned, each signed by their respective squad member,’ the club said.

‘All proceeds raised from the auction will be split between the NHS and Air Ambulances UK Charity, the national charity supporting the lifesaving work of the UK’s Air Ambulance charities. All proceeds will also be matched by the Club’s Board.’

Reports on Sunday claimed the Jamaican international could be forced to retire with the injuries he suffered in the crash.

It comes after a report from The Guardian had claimed that the player could be looking at ‘at least a year’ in rehabilitation before any return to action.

As reported by The Sun, Antonio’s first words following the crash were: ‘Where am I? What’s going on? What car am I in?.’

Samuel Woods was driving home after walking his dog in Epping Forest and saw the car on the roadside.

Woods told The Sun: ‘I said to him “hello” to see if anyone was alive.

Another image appears to show the Premier League star’s smashed up vehicle

West Ham released a statement on Sunday afternoon to confirm Antonio has had surgery

‘I heard sirens and told him that help was on its way.

‘He was so disorientated. He said, “Where am I? What’s going on? What car am I in?”

‘The paramedics got there really fast. I couldn’t believe what happened. The car smelt of petrol.’

Woods stated that Antonio wasn’t able to make sense of what he had heard. He added: ‘I looked at him and thought, “He’s in big trouble”.

‘I just said, “You’ve had an accident”. He didn’t reply. He was looking around trying to make sense of what I just said. He was sitting in the passenger side.’

In West Ham’s statement on Monday, the club said: ‘West Ham United’s players will show their support for teammate Michail Antonio at London Stadium on Monday evening, following his road traffic accident on Saturday.

‘The Hammers striker underwent surgery on a lower limb fracture on Sunday, and is currently recovering in hospital. He remains in everyone’s thoughts as he continues his rehabilitation.

‘Everyone at the Club would like to reiterate their heartfelt thanks to the first responders, emergency services, air ambulance staff and the NHS for the incredible support given to Michail in the wake of the accident.’

Antonio was a key member of the West Ham side to win the 2022 Europa Conference League 

Essex Police confirmed they were launching an investigation into the incident that occurred just before 1pm on Coppice Row in Epping and called for witnesses to help their investigation.

‘We were called shortly after 12.50pm on Saturday 7 December to Coppice Row, Epping, following reports of what is believed to be a single vehicle collision involving a Ferrari,’ a spokesperson said.  

‘Emergency services attended and the driver has been taken to hospital. The vehicle has been recovered and we are no longer on scene.

‘An investigation will be carried out by our Roads Policing Unit. If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us.’

Essex Fire Service also confirmed firefighters had released a man trapped in his car.

A statement read: ‘Crews were called to High Road, Epping, at 1.02pm this afternoon after reports of a road traffic collision involving one car. 

‘In arrival, firefighters reported that a man was trapped in his car and worked to release him by 1.45pm. The casualty was left in the care of the Ambulance Service.’

Antonio has made 323 appearances and has scored 83 goals since joining West Ham in 2015. He is West Ham’s record Premier League goal scorer.