After surviving a near- fatal crash, Reggae Boyz striker Michail Antonio says he’s gained a new appreciation for life and intends to continue his playing career.

The 34-year-old West Ham forward was able to ring in the new year at home after spending close to 25 days in hospital after a car crash on December 7 in Essex, England.

Antonio was trapped in his damaged vehicle for nearly an hour but emergency services freed him and took him to hospital, where he was declared to be in stable condition.

He sustained multiple injuries, including a fracture in his lower limb that required surgery.

However, after three weeks of monitoring from doctors, Antonio was discharged on Tuesday.

He spoke for the first time since the incident with a statement released on his Instagram account and says he’s thankful for life.

“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 said.

“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. What I’ve been through recently has opened my eyes. Life is fragile, and every single moment matters. I’m so grateful to God for giving me the strength to keep going and for allowing me to still be here.”

Antonio is thankful for his family, first responders and the West Ham community for helping him through the difficult situation.

“To the emergency services, the NHS (National Health Service, in England), the Air Ambulance, everyone at the Royal London and Cromwell hospitals and everyone from top to bottom at West Ham United FC. The medical team, the board, all of the staff, my teammates and the amazing West Ham fans…I honestly could not have got through this without you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. To my loved ones who stood by my side throughout everything, I can’t express how much you mean to me,” he said.

The Jamaican international is likely to be out of action for 2025 but is planning to return soon.

“To the whole football community, thank you for all the love and support you’ve shown me. It has truly meant the world. I love you all and I am endlessly grateful for every one of you. Happy new year — and I’ll be back on that pitch soon,” he said.

Reggae Boyz teammates Leon Bailey, Andre Blake, Bobby Reid and Damion Lowe as well as former Jamaican cricket superstar Chris Gayle and Argentina’s World Cup hero Emiliano Martinez were among those who sent well wishes under the social media post.

Antonio, West Ham’s second-longest serving player and record goalscorer in the English Premier League, was honoured by the club’s players and fans recently at the London Stadium.

Reggae Boyz Head Coach Steve McClaren and Jamaica Football Federation President Michael Ricketts also sent their best regards to Antonio shortly after the crash.

After his surgery, Antonio is reportedly set to miss up to 12 months of action which would rule him out of international duty for Jamaica, including the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup as well as the Concacaf Gold Cup.

He missed the last two encounters against the USA for the Nations League quarter-finals in November due to suspension and a lost passport.

Antonio has five goals in 21 appearances for the Reggae Boyz, with his last appearance coming in a 0-0 draw with Honduras in October at the National Stadium in the team’s final Concacaf Nations League A group game.