Michail Antonio has revealed that he harboured genuine resentment toward West Ham United following the painful circumstances of his departure from the club, admitting he wanted the Hammers to suffer relegation after his time in East London came to an end.

The forward's association with West Ham was cut short by a serious car crash, which effectively brought his playing career at the club to a close. Rather than leaving on his own terms, Antonio found himself unable to continue, and the bitterness of that exit left a mark.

In a candid admission, Antonio acknowledged that his feelings toward his former club turned sour in the aftermath — to the point where he was rooting against them. Wanting a club you spent years representing to drop out of the Premier League is a striking confession, and one that speaks to how deeply the departure affected him.

Antonio spent a significant portion of his career at West Ham, becoming one of the more recognisable figures in the club's recent history. His physical style and direct running made him a fan favourite during his time in the claret and blue, which makes his post-exit sentiments all the more surprising.

The car crash that ended his Hammers career was a serious incident, and the forced nature of his exit clearly weighed on him. Athletes who are denied a proper farewell often struggle to process the end of a chapter, and Antonio appears to have been no different.

He has since reflected on those feelings, suggesting some distance has allowed him to gain perspective on a difficult period. Whether full reconciliation with the club and its supporters follows remains to be seen.