West Ham United have officially confirmed the departure of long-serving forward Michail Antonio following the expiry of his contract at the end of last season.
Antonio, 35, joined West Ham from Nottingham Forest in 2015 and became a fan favorite during his decade-long spell in claret and blue.
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Despite being out of contract, Antonio had continued training with West Ham’s Academy to maintain fitness while talks about a new deal continued.
His final appearance for West Ham came in a pre-season friendly with the Under-21s, where he scored both goals in a 2-1 win.
The club offered Antonio a performance-based contract extension, but he declined, believing he deserved more despite not playing since 2024.
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Antonio’s absence from the first team was due to a life-threatening car crash in December 2024, which halted his playing career indefinitely.
West Ham subsequently ended contract negotiations and signed Callum Wilson from Newcastle United, who is also Antonio’s close friend and podcast co-host.
In their official statement, West Ham praised Antonio’s contribution and confirmed continued support during his ongoing rehabilitation and recovery process.
The club may still keep Antonio involved, considering an ambassadorial role to leverage his experience and leadership at West Ham, reports Kumb.
Antonio leaves behind a remarkable legacy, remaining a respected figure among fans and within the club’s long and proud 130-year history.
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