Michail Antonio came late to professional football as the now West Ham striker was signed by Reading whilst playing non-league football with Tooting & Mitcham United.
Michail Antonio said: “My debut with Cheltenham was crazy. Leeds at Elland Road. 22,000. I’ve walked out and the roar, it was unbelievable, it was unreal.
Going from non-league to professional football, within three months I’m at Elland Road in League One. It was an amazing day. Even though after twelve minutes I tore three ligaments in my ankle, it’s still today an amazing day for me.”
Going from non-league to professional football, within three months I’m at Elland Road in League One. It was an amazing day. Even though after twelve minutes I tore three ligaments in my ankle, it’s still today an amazing day for me.”Although the injury he picked up kept him out for a number of weeks, Antonio again referenced the atmosphere in explaining why the day was so important to him.
Michail Antonio added: “It was still an amazing day. Me playing my first professional game after 18 years of trying. Just the roar of the Leeds fans as I was walking out. It made me realise how much I loved football.”
Antonio played in front of a packed Elland Road in the Premier League this season and managed to score a late winner after West Ham turned the game around following a first-half goal from Raphinha.
