Marti Cifuentes has confirmed the current status of Michail Antonio. The former West Ham attacker and free agent is training with Leicester at the moment. The 35 year old finished his contract with The Hammers last summer after a 10 year stay.
In total he played 268 league games and scored 68 goals for West Ham. On 7 December 2024, it was reported that Antonio was involved in a road traffic accident. This happened after he crashed his Ferrari in Epping.
A year ago, 3rd of December, Michail Antonio came on as a sub for West Ham in the game vs. Leicester. This was the first game under new manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, Leicester won 3-1.
On 8 December it was confirmed that he had undergone surgery on a lower limb fracture. He was discharged from hospital at the end of December. His injuries were expected to keep him out of football for at least a year.
He returned to playing on 17 June 2025. Coming on as an 85th minute substitute for Jamaica in a 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup game against Guatemala.
Before his time at West Ham he had spells at Nottingham Forest, Sheffield Wednesday and Reading. During his days with The Royals he was on loan duty at several clubs, among them Southampton and Colchester.
He was called up to the England squad on occasions, but never made his full debut. In 2021 he decided to change and represent Jamaica. He has so far played 24 times for the Raggae Boys and scored 5 goals.
Marti Cifuentes does not have a player like Antonio in his squad. We believe he can do a job. He is training with Leicester at the moment and as a free agent he can sign outside the transfer windows. The club and the player is yet to decide on what comes next.
Leicester would not really take a gamble offering Antonio a short term deal. The big question is what he has of other alternatives to look at.
With a gap left behind by Patson Daka, being absent after the game vs. Ipswich. Antonio could be a good option. Daka will join Zambia to play in the AFCON. He will be absent for a while, His time away depends on how Zambia will do in the tournament.