Soucek Dedicates Goal to Injured Antonio Following West Ham’s Win

Before Monday, Michail Antonio had participated in all 14 of West Ham’s Premier League matches. Tomas Soucek dedicated his goal, scored during West Ham’s significant 2-1 victory against Wolves, to Antonio. Soucek also disclosed that the team had a video call with their injured colleague before the game on Monday. The 34-year-old Hammers forward remains hospitalized following a car crash on Saturday. Antonio underwent surgery on Sunday for a lower limb fracture and is expected to continue receiving medical attention in the coming days. Goals from Soucek and Jarrod Bowen secured a crucial win for West Ham against Wolves, positioning the team nine points above the relegation zone and alleviating some pressure on head coach Julen Lopetegui. When questioned about Antonio, midfielder Soucek informed Sky Sports, “The goal was for him. I said before the game I really wanted to score even more today.” He continued, “He’s been here since I came here – he is really my favourite. I said it would be tough for me to play without him.” Soucek concluded, “I am happy that he is doing fine, but this is for him. He is a massive player and he is in my heart.” The 29-year-old Czech international expressed his concern upon learning of Antonio’s accident, stating, “It was really tough for us. I was with the kids and I saw this information on the phone. I messaged everyone asking what happened and how he was.” He further added, “I was so scared what was going to happen. It was a really tough week for him, his family and us.” Soucek recounted, “We had a video call with him, the whole team, before the game. He smiled to us and gave us all the best. I can’t wait to visit him. He is a really lovely guy and also funny. He even made a few jokes before the game and he wished us all the best.” Antonio, a Jamaica international, holds the record as West Ham’s all-time leading scorer in the Premier League, having netted 68 goals across 268 league appearances. During the celebration of his opening goal against second-bottom Wolves, Soucek raised nine fingers, symbolizing Antonio’s shirt number. Captain Bowen similarly displayed Antonio’s shirt after scoring the winning goal in the 72nd minute. Antonio joined the club in 2015. Soucek remarked, “He is probably one of the best players West Ham have had.” He further stated, “He will be soon with us. These things can happen, but hopefully he will be even better soon.” Head coach Julen Lopetegui also dedicated West Ham’s victory to Antonio, referring to him as a “special guy.” The West Ham board has committed to matching all proceeds generated from auctioned attire. Before the match at London Stadium, West Ham’s players warmed up wearing Antonio shirts. Before kick-off, Bowen informed Sky Sports, “Everyone loves Mic, he is big character and waiting for news on the Saturday was difficult.” He continued, “He is not just a team-mate, he is a friend and has been for many years – a dad as well, to beautiful children. I just want to say thank thank you to all the support from everyone. As captain I’ve seen all the messages and support Mic has got.” Bowen concluded, “It is one of those things where life is bigger than football. The main thing is Mic is safe and well and he is here to tell the story. He is a warrior and a fighter, he always has been, through his career and I know he will be back stronger for this.” Manager Lopetegui commented, “Fortunately he was a miracle, looking at the picture of the the car. These are more important things, the person, the dad, the brother.” He added, “We are happy because he overcame the surgery that he had yesterday.” A minute’s applause was observed for Antonio in the ninth minute at the London Stadium after the game against Wolves commenced. The Hammers announced that special ‘Antonio 9′ shirts, walking-out tops, and the players’ match-worn shirts would be signed and auctioned, with all proceeds designated for donation to the National Health Service and Air Ambulances UK. In an official statement, the club further conveyed that it “would like to reiterate 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”.