Watford sign former West Ham striker Michail Antonio after car crash incident

Michail Antonio has finally found a new club in England

Watford sign former West Ham striker Michail Antonio after car crash incident

Former West Ham striker Michail Antonio has called Watford “a big club” after joining the Hornets on a free transfer on a one-year deal.

The 36-year-old has spent a month training with Alessio Dionisi’s side and is awaiting international clearance to make his debut at home to Stoke City on Saturday.

“It’s a good set of boys here,” Antonio told Watford’s website. “They are focused and ready to show their abilities this season.

Footballer Michail Antonio playing for West Ham United Football Club in a claret top with white shots and socks on a green pitch in a stadium with a crowd blurrily visible at the other end of the turf

Watford is a big club and hopefully I can come in and bring success and help wherever I can.

“I’ve scored a few goals against Watford, so hopefully I can score some for Watford now when I’m fully up to speed.”

Antonio’s final appearance for West Ham came in a 3-1 defeat at Leicester City in the Premier League on December 3, 2024.

Four days later, Antonio suffered a broken leg in a car crash and spent several months recovering.

The Jamaica international was released by West Ham in June 2025 following a 10-year spell with the club, but returned to train with his former club during his rehabilitation.

Still the Hammers’ 68-goal all-time top scorer in the Premier League, Antonio made two appearances for their Under-21 side in Premier League 2 before continuing his search for a return to senior football.

The former Nottingham Forest, Sheffield Wednesday, Reading and Tooting & Mitcham United hitman briefly joined Qatari side Al-Sailiya this year, making the last of his four appearances for the club in April.

Watford drew 1-1 at home to West Ham in the second tier last month and are scheduled to visit the London Stadium on April 17.