Michail Antonio played professional football for the first time since his horror car crash in December, returning for his country in Jamaica's 1-0 defeat to Guatemala. West Ham confirmed earlier this month that they have not yet decided on the future of Antonio, whose contract is due to expire this summer. The club stated that they would delay any decision regarding Antonio when announcing their decisions about other players whose contracts are also ending.

A statement from West Ham read: "Given Michail Antonio's unique situation, following his serious road traffic accident in December 2024, there will be no formal decision and announcement on his future until such time that it is considered right and appropriate.

"However, as his current contract is also due to expire on June 30, for the purposes of the Premier League Retained List procedure at the end of the 2024/25 season, Michail will be listed as a free transfer.

"As a long-serving, highly-respected player, and a much-loved member of the West Ham family, the Club's absolute priority at this time is to support Michail personally in his journey to resume playing at the highest level."

Antonio, 35, has made 323 appearances for the club since joining from Nottingham Forest, scoring 83 goals. His return to the pitch on Monday night fulfilled a promise he made back in March.

"Yes, 100%. I will play again," he declared. "It's the biggest injury I've ever had in my career. But the fact that I'm already two to three months ahead of where I should be, I know that I'll play again, and I know that once I'm playing the game I'll get the sharpness back."

Earlier this month, West Ham announced that a decision regarding Antonio's future would be put on hold due to his unique circumstances following a serious car accident in December 2024.

In the meantime, as his contract is set to expire on June 30, the Premier League Retained List procedure at the end of the 2024/25 season will list Antonio as a free transfer. West Ham expressed their priority to support the striker in his journey to resume playing at the highest level.

"It's the biggest injury I've ever had in my career. But the fact that I'm already two to three months ahead of where I should be, I know that I'll play again, and I know that once I'm playing the game I'll get the sharpness back.

"People have always doubted me. My mental strength is something that I've always believed in and this is just another setback, and it is not going to stop me. The car was an absolute mess. It just made me realise how close I was to dying."