Michail Antonio’s resurgence in form has been a major talking point at West Ham, especially after his stellar performance against Freiburg, which secured the Hammers a spot in the Europa League quarter-finals against Bayer Leverkusen. His prowess was also on display in the draw with Aston Villa, where he netted a remarkable diving header.
This revival is particularly noteworthy for Antonio, who is approaching his 34th birthday and had not scored since August, prior to his goal against Villa. His return was all the more impressive considering the lengthy recovery from an injury incurred while on international duty with Jamaica in November.
As West Ham gears up for a demanding schedule in both the Premier League and Europe, Antonio has lamented the timing of the international break, which he feels disrupts his return to peak fitness and form.
In a strategic move, Antonio has withdrawn from Jamaica’s squad for the upcoming CONCACAF Nations League semi-final against the USA. This decision comes in light of the significant fixtures ahead for West Ham and the three-month absence he previously experienced after international duty.
Speaking to West Ham’s official website, Antonio voiced his concerns about the break, emphasizing its untimely nature just as he’s regaining his stride on the pitch. The forward’s focus remains firmly on contributing to West Ham’s ambitious goals in the coming months.
“It’s been a long time waiting [to be on the scoresheet again] and hopefully I can just go on a run now,” Antonio said.
“I’ve been out for a long time [with injury], missed a lot of football and I have really missed it as well.
“I came back and felt a bit rusty, but I feel as if I’m getting back to my usual form and now I’ve topped it off with a goal.
“I don’t really want the break right now after the performances I’ve been producing and would rather the games kept on coming. But because of the break it’s something I’ve got to deal with.”