Antonio returns to English football nearly two years after brutal car crash

Michail Antonio has penned a one-year deal with Watford to make his return to English football. The former West Ham star has been without a club since leaving Qatari side Al-Sailiya in the summer.

Antonio, now 36, had been in the Middle East for a brief spell having been a free agent following a devastating car crash in December 2024.

Speaking after his move was made official, Antonio said: “It’s a good set of boys here. They are focused and ready to show their abilities this season.

“Watford is a big club and hopefully I can come in and bring success and help wherever I can. I’ve scored a few goals against Watford! So hopefully I can score some for Watford now when I’m fully up to speed."

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Antonio could make his debut for his new club this weekend as Watford come up against Stoke City at Vicarage Road. The Hornets currently sit 12th in the Championship after six games.

Antonio’s move signals his first return to English football following his exit from West Ham. Prior to that, he was involved in a car crash in December 2024, and was close to losing his life.

Speaking to the BBC about the crash, Antonio said: "It's weird, because the whole way through this, I have been told that I was awake and was speaking to everybody - the police, the people, and the person who found me.

"My leg was completely shattered and they got me out and put a splint on it by the side of the car. Everyone believed I got an air ambulance out, but the helicopter couldn't get off the ground because of the storm, so I was driven to the hospital."

On seeing the wreckage of his car, he added: "It gave me a weird feeling in my stomach. It just made me realise how close I was to dying. I had seen the pictures but it was 10 times worse in person. The car was an absolute mess. It was difficult for me."

Antonio has represented Reading, Cheltenham Town, Southampton, Colchester United, Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest throughout his career. He joined West Ham in 2015 and went on to score 83 goals in 323 appearances for the Hammers, while he helped the side to the Conference League title in 2023.

Antonio was previously close to moves to both Leicester City and Brentford over the past year but neither side agreed a deal with the Jamaican international.