barkadabet Premier League: Soucek Says West Ham Players Spoke With Antonio Ahead Of Wolves Win

West Ham players wore 'Antonio 9' shirts pre-match West Ham players wore 'Antonio 9' shirts pre-match

Tomas Soucek says he and his West Ham team-mates spoke with Michail Antonio via a video call prior to Monday's victory over Wolves. (More Football News)barkadabet

Antonio was involved in a road traffic collision on Saturday and has since undergone surgery on a fractured lower limb, as confirmed by the club.

Soucek and matchwinner Jarrod Bowen subsequently dedicated their goals to Antonio in the 2-1 Premier League victory over Wolves at the London Stadium.

Speaking to Sky Sports after that vital win, Soucek said: "The goal was for him. I dedicated it to him. I said before I really wanted to score even more today.

"He's been here since I came here. He is really my favourite. I said it'd 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."

Thanks for all your support tonight, Hammers pic.twitter.com/l5qQnImPgY

— West Ham United (@WestHam) December 9, 2024

In an update on Sunday, West Ham thanked the emergency services and first responders who attended the scene of Antonio's crash.

Images of the badly damaged vehicle circulated on social media prior to confirmation that Antonio was in a stable condition in hospital.   "It was really tough for us," Soucek added. "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's a really lovely guy and also funny. He even made a few jokes before the game and wished us all the best.

"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."

West Ham's all-time leading Premier League goalscorer Antonio had featured in all 14 of West Ham's top-flight matches this season prior to the visit of Wolves.

Soucek headed the hosts ahead nine minutes into the second half and Bowen netted West Ham's second after Matt Doherty had temporarily levelled.

The win eases the pressure on head coach Julen Lopetegui, whose thoughts were also with Antonio at the full-time whistle.

"We are happy, we dedicate the victory to Michail and his family," Lopetegui said. "It has been tough the last week, and the last days especially.

"He deserves this. We love Michail a lot. He's a special person for us. I'm sure he'll overcome this bad moment and come back. The best thing we could do is get the victory."barkadabet