LONDON, England, (CMC) – Jamaica and West Ham United forward Michail Antonio is thanking his lucky stars that he can see the year 2025 as he expresses his gratitude to be alive after surviving a serious car accident that left him with a broken leg.

The 34-year-old was discharged from the hospital on Tuesday, over three weeks after undergoing surgery to treat a lower limb fracture sustained in the crash on December 7 in Epping, Essex.

Emergency services had to free Antonio from his car, after which he was transported to a central London hospital for treatment.

Reflecting on his ordeal, Antonio shared an emotional post on Instagram, accompanied by a photo of himself using crutches.

“Every year around this time, I’m asked what I’m grateful for, and every year I’ve struggled to find the right words. But this year, I know exactly what I’m grateful for: being alive.”

Antonio, who is West Ham’s all-time leading Premier League scorer with 68 goals in 268 appearances, spoke candidly about how the experience has changed his perspective on life.

“I’ve spent so many years taking life for granted, making plans for tomorrow and the years ahead as though they were guaranteed. But what I’ve been through recently has opened my eyes. Life is fragile, and every single moment matters,” said Antonio.

He credited his survival to divine intervention, saying, “I’m so grateful to God for giving me the strength to keep going and for allowing me to still be here.”

Antonio also took the opportunity to thank emergency responders, medical staff, and the football community for their unwavering support.

“The love and care I’ve received has meant the world to me. I’m endlessly grateful for every single one of you,” he stated.

Despite his injury, Antonio’s connection to his team remained strong.

The striker spoke to his teammates via video call ahead of their 2-1 victory over Wolves on December 9. In a show of solidarity, the players wore warm-up shirts bearing “Antonio 9” before kick-off.

West Ham United has also shown its appreciation to the emergency services that aided Antonio, pledging nearly £60,000 to NHS and Air Ambulances UK charities through the auction of the commemorative shirts.

Antonio concluded his post with a message of hope saying, “I’ll be back on that pitch soon.”