est Ham legend Michail Antonio has moved to calm tensions around the club’s recent signing of Callum Wilson, urging supporters to back his former podcast co-host and fellow striker despite past remarks. The 33-year-old Wilson signed a one-year, pay-per-performance deal with the Hammers this summer following his Newcastle exit. However, his welcome has been anything but warm—largely thanks to off-the-cuff, now notorious, comments about West Ham that resurfaced.
On the “Footballers’ Football Podcast,” Wilson quipped to Antonio, “I’ve got a European trophy on FIFA as well—it’s the same thing!” when referencing West Ham’s Europa Conference League triumph—a jab that didn’t sit well with many fans.
Antonio, typically synonymous with the club’s ethos, offered a more forgiving take during an interview on talkSPORT on August 10. He described their podcast banter as “fun” and defended Wilson as “a quality player” and “a good friend of mine,” urging supporters to “back the boy” and acknowledging that if he stays fit, he could be a potent goal threat at the London Stadium.
Wilson already has a strong personal record against West Ham—scoring 12 goals in 16 appearances across prior encounters—with the potential to win fans over if he replicates recent form for his new side. His injury record, however, poses a major concern; something Antonio subtly referenced when speaking about the importance of keeping him “fierce” and fit.
In short: Antonio is offering his personal endorsement—urging fans to look past Wilson’s misplaced jests and focus on what he can bring to the team. If he can overcome fitness setbacks, his proven scoring ability and previous record against the Irons could quickly turn public opinion around.
Leave a Reply