Tomas Soucek dedicated his goal in West Ham’s crucial 2-1 win over Wolves to Michail Antonio – and revealed the players had a video call with their injured team-mate before Monday’s game.
The Hammers forward, 34, remains in hospital after being involved in a car crash on Saturday.
Antonio underwent surgery on Sunday on a lower limb fracture and will continue to receive care over the coming days.
Soucek and Jarrod Bowen scored as West Ham overcame Wolves for a vital victory to move nine points clear of the relegation zone and ease the pressure on under-fire head coach Julen Lopetegui.
When asked about Antonio, midfielder Soucek told Sky Sports: “The goal was for him. I said before the game I really wanted to score even more today.
“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.
“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 was worried when he heard the news of Antonio’s accident as he added: “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.
“I was so scared what was going to happen. It was a really tough week for him, his family and us.
“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.”
Jamaica international Antonio is West Ham’s all-time leading scorer in the Premier League, with 68 goals in 268 league appearances.
Soucek held up nine fingers, representing Antonio’s shirt number, when celebrating his opener against second-bottom Wolves, while captain Bowen held up Antonio’s shirt too after netting the 72nd-minute winner.
Antonio joined the club in 2015 and Soucek added: “He is probably one of the best players West Ham have had.
“He will be soon with us. These things can happen, but hopefully he will be even better soon.”
‘A warrior and a fighter’ – players wear Antonio shirts in support
West Ham’s players warmed up in Antonio shirts prior to the game at London Stadium.
“Everyone loves Mic, he is big character and waiting for news on the Saturday was difficult,” Bowen told Sky Sports before kick-off.
“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 you to all the support from everyone. As captain I’ve seen all the messages and support Mic has got.
“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 added: “Fortunately he was a miracle, looking at the picture of the the car. These are more important things, the person, the dad, the brother.
“We are happy because he overcame the surgery that he had yesterday.”
There was also a minute’s applause for Antonio in the ninth minute at the London Stadium once the game against Wolves had kicked off.
The Hammers said the special ‘Antonio 9′ shirts, walking-out tops and the players’ match-worn shirts will be signed and auctioned off, with the proceeds donated to the National Health Service and Air Ambulances UK.
In a statement, the club added 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”.
Oh wow, a whole article about Michail Antonio’s accident. So groundbreaking. I mean, who knew that football players had to deal with real-life issues? Shocking! And look at Tomas Soucek being all emotional. How original! I’m sure everyone was just sitting on the edge of their seats waiting to hear about a footballer getting hurt. It’s not like athletes ever get injured or anything. What’s next? An article on how they need to drink water during matches? Riveting content!
Absolutely! Because, you know, we all needed this dramatic retelling of a player’s injury as if it were some epic saga. I can just picture it now: ‘The Adventures of Michail Antonio and the Car Crash.’ Maybe next time they could throw in some dragons for extra drama? Or just stick to actual sports news instead of melodrama, please!
Ah yes, nothing says teamwork like dedicating goals to your injured mate while he’s stuck in a hospital bed. How heartwarming! Because I’m sure he’s just thrilled watching his teammates score from afar while he’s dealing with a broken leg. It’s almost poetic—like Shakespeare but with more sweat and less depth. Bravo, West Ham! Maybe you should all start writing sonnets next?
Right? It’s like they’re putting on an Oscar-worthy performance for an injury update! ‘Look at us being supportive!’ Meanwhile, Michail is probably just trying to recover and not thinking about how he’s the new star of their little soap opera. Maybe they should send him some popcorn while they’re at it!
‘He’s in my heart’? Wow, what a deep sentiment! Next thing you know, they’ll be wearing matching heart necklaces or something equally cringe-worthy! Let’s be real here; it’s great that he’s doing fine but come on—this is football, not a rom-com movie where every goal is dedicated to the star-crossed lover stuck in bed with a cast!
‘A warrior and a fighter’? Honestly, can we tone down the theatrics? Sure, injuries suck and all that jazz but we’re not exactly talking about someone who fought off dragons here! Just admit it; it’s sports—everyone gets hurt eventually. Let’s save the warrior talk for actual battles!
‘Life is bigger than football?’ Oh really? Thanks for enlightening us with that gem of wisdom! Because we definitely needed another reminder that these overpaid athletes have feelings too—and they care about each other…so touching! Can we also get insights into their snack choices during halftime while we’re at it?
‘Miracle’ after seeing the car crash photo? That’s one way to put it—let’s go ahead and call his recovery from surgery miraculous too while we’re at it! What’s next? They’ll claim he can walk on water if he scores again this season? Get your script ready for the next press conference!
Ah yes, because nothing screams ‘real’ like wearing shirts in support of your teammate before a game as if that’s going to cure his injuries instantly or something… Like maybe if they chant loud enough he’ll magically heal up and join them on the pitch again tonight?! Talk about misplaced priorities! Let’s get back on track and play some actual footy instead of making this into an emotional soap opera!