West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen backs 'warrior' Michail Antonio to come back stronger after horror crash

Hammers ease pressure on manager Lopetegui with vital Premier League win over Wolves

West Ham United captain Jarrod Bowen celebrates after scoring their second goal against Wolves by holding up the shirt of his teammate Michail Antonio. AFP

West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen has backed teammate Michail Antonio to come back “stronger” from his horror car crash.

Bowen said that Saturday’s news that Antonio had been involved in a road traffic accident in Essex had everyone at the club fearing the worst. Unverified pictures of Antonio's mangled Ferrari were circulating on social media before the club intervened and made a statement.

Thankfully, West Ham were able to confirm he was in a stable condition, conscious and communicating, by Saturday evening.

The 34-year-old striker has since undergone surgery on a broken leg, but reports suggest he still faces weeks in hospital recovering from multiple injuries.

“It has been one of those things you never think you will be involved in,” Bowen told Sky Sports after scoring the winner in a vital 2-1 victory over Wolves on Monday night to ease the pressure on his manager Julen Lopetegui following a poor run of results.

“Everyone loves Mich, he is a big character and waiting for news on the Saturday was difficult. He is not just a teammate, he is a friend and has been for many years. A dad as well to beautiful children.

“I just want to say thank you for all the support from everyone. As captain I’ve seen all the messages and support Mich has got. It is one of those things where life is bigger than football. The main thing is Mich is safe and well and here to tell the story. Saturday was a really difficult time.

“He is a warrior and a fighter, he always has been, and I know he will be back stronger for this.”

West Ham boss Lopetegui added: “It’s a miracle, looking at the pictures of the car. The most important thing is the person, the father, the dad, the son that he is, and these are the most important things about Mich.

“He has undergone surgery yesterday and after let’s see about [how long he will be out for]. We talked with him today and we are happy for him, despite, for sure, (the fact) he has suffered a lot.”

West Ham’s squad warmed up in 'Antonio 9' shirts ahead of their match against Wolves to show support for their stricken teammate.

The shirts will be signed by all the players, including Antonio, and auctioned off, with proceeds going to the NHS and Air Ambulances UK.

West Ham said: “Everyone at the club would like to reiterate their heartfelt thanks to the first responders, emergency services, air ambulance staff and the NHS for the incredible support given to Michail in the wake of the accident.”

West Ham vice-chair Karren Brady, speaking in the House of Lords on Monday, said: “It was a real shock to me on Saturday when I received a call from the police about his car accident, but I am pleased to report that he has had an operation and is recovering well.

“And I would like to take the opportunity to thank all of the NHS staff, all of the emergency services including the air ambulance and firefighters who cut him free from his car.”

In a showdown dubbed 'El Sackico' due to the intense scrutiny surrounding the futures of Lopetegui and Wolves boss Gary O'Neil, it was the Hammers chief who earned some much-needed breathing space thanks to Bowen's moment of magic.

Bowen bagged a priceless winner in the second half at the London Stadium, just moments after Wolves defender Matt Doherty had cancelled out Tomas Soucek's opener. West Ham's first win in three games lifted them nine points clear of the relegation zone, while second bottom Wolves remain four points adrift of safety after their 10th defeat in 15 league matches.