Michail Antonio has spoken candidly about his move to Qatar after leaving West Ham United in 2025.

The forward was involved in a serious car accident that resulted in a severe leg injury, ultimately bringing an end to his time at the London Stadium.

After training with several English clubs while recovering, Antonio eventually signed with Al Sailiya in March 2026. However, his arrival in Qatar coincided with the outbreak of conflict between the United States and Iran.

Antonio had continued to train with West Ham during his rehabilitation from the injury he sustained in December 2024. He even featured for their under-21 side in August 2025 but did not secure a new club until March 2026.

In an exclusive interview with FourFourTwo, Antonio reflected on his journey: “Every club I trained with wanted to sign me – I knew I still had the quality. The first club I trained with was Brentford – they offered me a contract, but I got injured. Leicester offered me a contract, but I got injured.”

He added, “Charlton also offered me a contract, but I ended up going out to Qatar because that was something I needed, and I really enjoyed it out there. It was a great lifestyle, a good way to build myself back into football.”

However, his time in Qatar began in unexpected circumstances as tensions between the US and Iran escalated, throwing the Middle East into uncertainty for months.

Recalling the experience, Antonio said, “On the very first day of the war, I was looking out of my hotel room, seeing rockets fly past. The hotel would shake when they were getting blocked. That was scary, but it was completely fine other than that day. Later in life, after I do my presenting and stuff like that, I’ll probably end up retiring out there.”

Though he has not officially retired, Antonio has already started planning for life after football.

“I have a kinetics business that works on people’s movements, which we’re trying to grow and get into football clubs,” he explained. “I’ve also got a tequila company I have shares in, and the Samba Stars Academy out in Ghana – one of our players [Listowell Lord Hinneh] signed for Middlesbrough recently.

“My agent and I have partnered up on a couple of things, and there’s another business I’m starting too, plus the pundit and presenting side of things.”

Antonio was also part of the TNT Sports team during the 2025/26 season, contributing to both domestic and European football coverage.

— Chris Flanagan, Senior Staff Writer