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Speaking on the second episode of the Best Mode On Podcast, ex-West Ham star Michail Antonio talks about his recovery from the car accident that almost killed him

West Ham legend Michail Antonio joins Adebayo Akinfenwa for episode two of the brand new Beast Mode On Podcast, with the 35-year-old providing an emotional account of his arduous road to recovery after the car crash in December 2024 that left him lucky to be alive.

Antonio, who left West Ham at the end of the 2024-25 season having spent 10 years with the Hammers and become their record Premier League goalscorer in the process, opens up on the impact the crash had on his life and how a Beyonce song that was released in 2011 resonated deeply with the Jamaica international, ultimately helping him get through that traumatic period.

Scroll down to read Antonio's account of the aftermath of the crash, with the full episode of the Best Mode On Podcast available now, via YouTube and Spotify.

Getty Images'I ALMOST DIED'

Reflecting on that traumatic day, Antonio tells Akinfenwa: "What's crazy about it, everybody in the world experienced that crash more than me. Even though I was in it, I didn't live it because I don't remember anything about it. I don't remember the crash, I don't remember being in the hospital, I don't remember going in for the operation, I don't remember coming out of the operation. There were loads of emotions coming through, my body remembers stuff even though my mind doesn't. What I've learnt from the car crash is football's important, but your health is more important.

"There was a lot of stuff I kept pushing back, that I kept not doing because I was being lazy. I kept saying to everybody; 'I want to get into TV, do my presenting, do my podcast', and I never really pushed it. It'll be done another time. But that time nearly didn't happen because I almost died."

AdvertisementGetty Images News'THE CRASH WAS ALSO A BLESSING'

One song in particular aided Antonio during his recovery, reducing him to tears as he consumed the lyrics. The 35-year-old added: "I was in Dubai with my kids, my daughter loves Beyonce, [and the song] I Was Here. Have you listened to those words? I've listened to it so many times but since the car crash, I listened to it and I was just sitting there, in a room with my kids but I've gone into a corner and I was crying.

"Those words, when you've been through what I've been through, when you've nearly died. When I was listening to it, I've gone. Now I'm at that stage where I'm going to bring myself happiness. I'm going to do whatever needs to be done. As much as the crash was a curse, it was also a blessing. It's brought so many things to light and made me more focused and driven to do what needs to be done."

GOAL'I DON'T KNOW WHAT I WAS THINKING'

Antonio left West Ham when his contract expired in the summer of 2025, although he made an incredible return to the pitch at the end of the 2024-25 season as he turned out for Jamaica at the Gold Cup. Coming on as a substitute in his preferred forward areas of the pitch during that tournament, the former Sheffield Wednesday star recalls a time when then-Hammers boss Slaven Bilic insisted he played as a right-back – something that didn't go down well with the veteran forward.

He tells Akinfenwa: "I spoke to the gaffer and he was like: 'I want you to do me a favour, we've signed no right-backs, I think I can make you one of the best right-backs in the world'. First game of the [2016-17] season against Chelsea. He's (Slaven Bilic) gone to me: 'Trust me, I'm going to be here for you [while you play ay right-back]'. I've done a mad flick. I don't know what I was thinking at the time, I tried to dink it over [Eden] Hazard in my own box, lost the ball. He's done a one-two and I've tripped him up for a pen. The gaffer's dragged me, instantly. And I was like: 'This is why I can't play right-back'. I'm attack-minded, I think of these stupid things to do in my own box. No need.

"From that moment, I'm not playing there anymore. I won't play there. The gaffer pulled me up about it at the end of the game. I made a mistake. In the end I just went: 'I'm not playing there no more, this is not my position, put me back on the wing or don't play me'. 'I don't enjoy playing there, it's ruining my football'. He was angry. He was like: 'When I tell you to play somewhere you play there'. And I've done that, for nearly a year now, but that's not my position. So put me back in my place. It was crazy, next week he played me right wing and I scored the very first goal at the London Stadium."

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Qais Ahmad will fill in for Rashid Khan; Naveed Zadran also gets a call-up after impressive Test debut

ESPNcricinfo staff04-Feb-2024Rashid Khan has not recovered in time for Afghanistan’s three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, which begins on February 9 in Pallekele.Afghanistan’s ace spinner underwent back surgery late last year and has not played competitive cricket since the 2023 ODI World Cup in November. Qais Ahmad, who has played just one ODI for Afghanistan so far, will fill in for Rashid in Sri Lanka.Noor Ahmad, who is playing for Durban’s Super Giants in the SA20, will rejoin the national team and miss the final stages of the league.Najibullah Zadran, who was part of Afghanistan’s World Cup squad, was left out for the Sri Lanka ODIs, while Abdul Rahman was included only as a reserve. Fast bowler Mohammad Saleem was sidelined by a hamstring strain, according to an ACB media release.Related

Rashid Khan withdraws from PSL as he continues rehab

Afghanistan name uncapped Noor, Zia, Ishaq and Naveed for one-off Test against Sri Lanka

Allrounder Gulbadin Naib, who impressed with his big-hitting in the recent T20I series against India, earned a recall to the ODI side. Fareed Ahmad also made it to the 15-member squad. Both were reserve players during the 2023 ODI World Cup.Seamer Naveed Zadran, who impressed on Test debut against Sri Lanka, broke into the ODI side as well. He is uncapped in ODI cricket and has played only six List A games so far, picking up eight wickets.”We have consistently striven to secure more bilateral cricket matches and create a busy schedule for our national teams,” ACB CEO Naseeb Khan said. “This marks our third visit to Sri Lanka in the past 16 months, which is a promising sign moving forward. The selectors have selected a strong line-up and we eagerly anticipate an exciting series ahead.”All three ODIs will be played in Pallekele before the teams move to Dambulla for the three-match T20I series. This will be Afghanistan’s first ODI assignment since the World Cup.Afghanistan squad for ODI series against SLHashmatullah Shahidi (capt), Rahmat Shah (vice-capt), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ikram Alikhil (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Riaz Hassan, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Qais Ahmad, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveed Zadran, Farid Ahmad

Wrexham have reportedly held talks over a stunning move for former Manchester United midfielder Christian Eriksen, with the Danish star’s agent confirming direct contact with the Red Dragons’ ambitious Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. The 33-year-old is a free agent after leaving Old Trafford and has been courted by a number of clubs around the world.

Wrexham approached Eriksen after Man Utd departureAgent confirms talks with Reynolds and McElhenneyMidfielder prefers a top-tier move in Western EuropeFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Wrexham have made an audacious attempt to sign Eriksen, as per the Dane's agent, just weeks after his Manchester United departure. The newly promoted Championship side are keen to bolster their midfield as they gear up for life in the second tier of English football. While Eriksen was impressed by Wrexham’s pitch, he currently favours a top-flight move.

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Backed by Hollywood superstars Reynolds and McElhenney, Wrexham have enjoyed a meteoric rise from the National League to the Championship in just three years. Their transfer activity this summer reflects their ambitions, with signings of stars like Liberato Cacace, Danny Ward, and Ryan Hardie already completed. The pursuit of Eriksen signals their intent to compete with the league’s best, and that is exactly what the midfielder's agent, Martin Schoots, said.

WHAT ERIKSEN'S AGENT SAID

Speaking to Mail Sport, Schoots said: "Wrexham are really upgrading everything both on and off the field, and it is a hugely impressive project, as you can see from the presence of people like Michael Williamson (Wrexham CEO) there.

"But Christian still wants to play in a first-tier competition, and he absolutely wants to stay in Western Europe. There are some contacts going on, but it has to suit both sides."

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Getty WHAT NEXT FOR ERIKSEN?

The former Manchester United midfielder is still weighing his options and is likely to explore other offers from first-division clubs across Europe. Wrexham, meanwhile, will continue to pursue top-level talent as part of their Championship push. A deal for Eriksen remains unlikely but not entirely off the table.

Wrexham are being tipped to swerve a deal for ex-Manchester United star Christian Eriksen as he does not "have the legs" for Championship football.

Midfielder left Old Trafford as a free agentRed Dragons asked questions of Danish starExpected to explore alternative optionsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

It has been revealed that the ambitious Red Dragons sounded out the Danish midfielder’s potential interest in a move to SToK Racecourse after seeing him reach the end of his contract at Old Trafford and depart as a free agent.

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Eriksen is in the process of mulling over his options. He believes that he can still compete at the highest level, with a switch to North Wales considered to be unlikely at this stage. Wrexham have acquired alternative targets, with Lewis O’Brien becoming their club-record signing.

DID YOU KNOW?

Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have been advised to invest any funds put aside for Eriksen in other areas of Phil Parkinson’s squad, with the 33-year-old playmaker considered to lack the stamina required for a 46-game slog in the second tier of English football.

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GettyWHAT DOWIE SAID

That is the opinion of former EFL player and manager Iain Dowie, who – speaking to , who offer the latest Premier League odds – has said: "Christian Eriksen still has the quality, whether his legs are still there is a different thing.

"My view is when you get to these and players play on like Ashley Young and Cristiano Ronaldo, it’s amazing. What I will say is that the Championship is 25% more physical than the Premier League, that is just the nature of it.

"Players aren’t as quick, in the Premier League you can’t get near them, can Christian handle that? I think Christian would give them a spark with a floating role, he understands the game really well and no one is better than Phil Parkinson to get it to work."

Munro hasn’t played for New Zealand since 2020 and has made himself unavailable for the T20I tour of Pakistan

ESPNcricinfo staff03-Apr-2024Colin Munro is under consideration for New Zealand’s T20 World Cup squad at the age of 37, four years after his last international appearance.Munro turned down a call-up for New Zealand’s upcoming T20I series in Pakistan but his record in the CPL means his name will come up for discussion when the selectors pick a 15-man squad this month. The ICC requires teams to submit their provisional squads by May 1, with a final deadline on May 25.New Zealand named a second-string squad for their five-match series in Pakistan on Wednesday, with nine players unavailable due to their IPL commitments, and selection manager Sam Wells revealed that they had sounded Munro out ahead of the tour. He declined the chance to be in the squad, but remains in their thoughts with an eye on the World Cup.Related

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“We got in touch with Colin. He’s obviously been in fine form for the last few years in various competitions around the world and, in particular, has an excellent record in the Caribbean Premier League,” Wells said. “He made himself unavailable for this tour but he’s potentially still an option.”Munro is the seventh-highest run-scorer in the CPL’s history, and the highest run-scorer among overseas players. He spent seven seasons with Trinbago Knight Riders before joining St Lucia Kings last year and has 2353 runs in the CPL overall, at an average of 35.65 and a strike rate of 128.86.He has not played for New Zealand since losing his central contract in 2020, and has previously addressed his disappointment at missing out on selection for the 2021 T20 World Cup. Munro turned 37 last month but has an excellent record in T20Is, averaging 31.34 with a strike rate of 156.44 across 65 matches.New Zealand have plenty of top-order batters in T20Is including Finn Allen, Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra, so it may take an injury for Munro to force his way in. “I don’t think it takes a rocket scientist to work out that our top order is relatively settled,” Wells said, “but if anything were to happen with injuries and what-not, he’s still an option for us.”All four of New Zealand’s Group C fixtures at the World Cup are at venues with a reputation for assisting spinners. They start the tournament against Afghanistan at Providence in Guyana, then face West Indies, Uganda and Papua New Guinea at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, Trinidad.

Hosts ship five wickets before the close, still 573 runs adrift after one-sided day

ECB Reporters Network18-May-2024Gloucestershire registered the highest score in their 154-year first-class history before making substantial inroads into the Leicestershire reply on the second day of the Vitality Division Two championship match at the UptonSteel County Ground.Captain Graeme Van Buuren hit a century at better than a run a ball, becoming the third batter in his team to reach three figures after Cameron Bancroft and Ben Charlesworth had reached the landmark on day one, before declaring on 706 for 6 at tea.It was the first time Gloucestershire passed 700, surpassing the 695 for 9 made against Middlesex in 2004, and the fifth highest first-class score made against Leicestershire.Young leg-spinner Ed Middleton then won decisions off consecutive deliveries as Leicestershire were reduced to 133 for 5 at the close.A cloudy morning saw Gloucestershire made to work hard for their runs, at least for the first hour, so much so that they failed to pick up a fifth batting bonus point – a target that had looked well in reach when they began the day on 385 for 2, needing another 65 runs from 15.3 overs.The loss of Miles Hammond did not help, the left-hander bowled off the inside edge trying to drive a Scott Currie delivery. Ollie Price passed 50 for the third time this season before missing an attempted reverse sweep at Rehan Ahmed, but Van Buuren and James Bracey took Leicestershire’s tiring young attack apart during a partnership of 147 for the fifth wicket.It was a surprise when Bracey, having made 92, edged a drive at a wide delivery from Currie to Ben Cox behind the stumps, but Van Buuren went to his century, made from 90 balls, with a six off Louis Kimber.Needing 557 simply to avoid the follow on, Leicestershire made a poor start when Marcus Harris was given out leg before to Matt Taylor. The decision was a close one, the ball hitting the Australian well above the knee roll, and so too were the decisions which saw the demise of Louis Kimber and Lewis Hill.Kimber went back to a delivery from Middleton that skidded on and looked to be missing leg stump, and the next ball saw Hill given out caught off bat-pad when replays suggested the bat may not have been involved.There was little doubt however about the leg before decision given when Josh Shaw’s full delivery trapped Peter Hanscombe on the back foot, and none at all when Ahmed’s airy waft resulted in the young England all-rounder edging Beau Webster’s delivery to Bracey.

A Paul Pogba team-mate says it is a "pleasure" having the Frenchman at Monaco but the ex-Juventus man will have to wait for his club debut.

Pogba joins Monaco after doping banTeam-mate says it's a "pleasure" to have himFrenchman may have to wait for debutFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Following the conclusion of his doping ban, Pogba signed for Monaco earlier this summer, and so far, he has made a positive impression, especially on team-mate Maghnes Akliouche. The attacking midfielder said the 32-year-old brings a lot to the Ligue 1 team but manager Adi Hutter said the former Manchester United star is still working his way back to fitness – so it may be a while yet before his makes his long-awaited return to football.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT AKLIOUCHE AND HUTTER SAID

The 23-year-old told RMC Sport: "I know he [Pogba] works hard, he works well. We also talk a lot with the physios. Having him with us is a pleasure for us. He has a lot of experience and he's a good person, he has a smile and that also brings us a lot to the group."

Hutter added: "Ansu Fati and he are doing a very good job. They are fighting to come back and be available for us as soon as possible. It will be sooner for Ansu than Paul. Paul is doing a good rehabilitation, but it's always difficult to give a forecast. We will have to wait a month for sure. For me, the most important thing is that he trains every day, and when the time is right, we will integrate him."

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Former France international Pogba has not played first-team football for the best part of two years so it is understandable that the 2018 World Cup winner will have to be patient. He himself admitted that he wants to be back to his best before getting game time. But when he does return, the footballing world will know about it.

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As Hutter said, Pogba is likely to be sidelined for another month. That means he will miss Monaco's Ligue 1 games against Le Havre, Lille, and Strasbourg but could be back for their match against Auxerre on September 14.

Complete guide to the Gunners' pre-season preparations, including friendlies and training camps, ahead of the 2025-26 season.

Mikel Arteta will embark on another big year as Arsenal battle to land every piece of silverware in 2025-26. 

The club finally managed to land a proper striker in Viktor Gyokeres, among other key transfers to adequately revamp of the squad, while the focus remained on addressing all known issues and hitting the reset once more. 

All completed Arsenal transfers so far in 2025-26 – listed

 Here, GOAL brings you everything you need to know about Arsenal's pre-season plans ahead of the 2025-26 season.

Getty Images SportArsenal 2025 pre-season tour fixtures & results

July 23, 2025Arsenal 1-0 (5-6 pen.) AC Milan7:30 pm SGT (12:30 pm BST)National Stadium, SingaporeJuly 27, 2025Arsenal 3-2 Newcastle United7:30 pm SGT (12:30 pm BST)National Stadium, SingaporeJuly 31, 2025Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham Hotspur7:30 pm SGT (12:30 pm BST)Kai Tak Sports Park, Hong KongAugust 6, 2025Arsenal 2-3 Villarreal6 pm BSTEmirates Stadium, LondonAugust 9, 2025Arsenal 3-0 Athletic Club5 pm BSTEmirates Stadium, London

Arsenal's pre-season preparations began with a five-day training camp in La Manga, near Murcia, Spain, providing a focused environment for the squad.  

After a few days at London Colney, Arteta's men kicked off their summer tour with a 1-0 triumph over AC Milan in a tightly-contested friendly held at the National Stadium in Singapore. However, the game still went to a penalty shootout, where the Italian side emerged victorious.

Arsenal pipped Newcastle to a 3-2 win, with 15-year-old Max Dowman stealing the show, before losing 1-0 to bitter north London rivals Tottenham in Hong Kong.

Back at home, the club played more warm-up matches, losing 3-2 to Villarreal before finishing their pre-season with a comfortable 3-0 win over Athletic Club to lift the Emirates Cup ahead of their Premier League opener. 

See Arsenal's full fixture list

AdvertisementGetty Images SportArsenal 2025 pre-season tour ticketsGet tickets to Arsenal's 2025 pre-seasonGet tickets

Fans can buy tickets to see Arsenal's pre-season games through StubHub or the club's official website. 

How to watch Arsenal pre-season games on TV & livestream online

All of the Gunners' pre-season matches will be available to stream live online on Arsenal.com and the club's official app by purchasing a pay-per-view pass. It has to be noted that the pass will be unavailable for viewers in Spain, Italy, Singapore and Hong Kong.  

Interestingly, the pre-season friendly against Tottenham on July 31 in Hong Kong had a special screening at Emirates Stadium.  

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When does the 2025-26 season start for Arsenal?

Arteta's men will kick off their Premier League season with a trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United on August 16. 

Although the 2025-26 Carabao Cup first round is set to kick off the week commencing Monday, August 11, due to their participation in the Champions League, the Gunners will enter the third round of the competition. The draw for the Champions League league phase will take place on Thursday, August 28, where Arsenal will find out their eight opponents.  

Arsenal's FA Cup journey will begin in the third round of the prestigious domestic cup tournament.

Anfield came together in an emotional show of unity as Liverpool and Bournemouth fans paid a powerful tribute to the late Diogo Jota during the Premier League season opener. In the 20th minute, the stadium erupted into applause, with scarves and shirts held aloft, while a deafening rendition of 'You’ll Never Walk Alone' echoed in memory of the Portuguese forward and his brother, Andre Silva.

Fans applaud in the 20th minute to honour Diogo JotaBournemouth supporters join emotional Anfield tribute Mosaic and silence mark tragic loss before PL openerFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Before kick-off, a mosaic dedicated to Jota and his brother was displayed across The Kop and Sir Kenny Dalglish Stand. A moment of silence was observed as players and fans alike stood in reflection. When the 20th minute arrived, Anfield rose to its feet yet again, with Liverpool and Bournemouth fans uniting in applause and song for the much-loved forward.   

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Jota’s sudden passing in a car crash in Spain last month sent shockwaves through the footballing world. The tribute was not just a Liverpool affair, with Bournemouth supporters also joining in the show of respect. 

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The Reds will carry Jota’s memory with them as they embark on their Premier League title defence. The club is expected to hold further tributes throughout the season, including a permanent memorial at Anfield.  

Manchester United fans have gone into meltdown after Andre Onana's double howler against Grimsby, labelling him a disastrous signing for the club.

Onana in shocking formTwo howlers against GrimsbyFans rage at goalkeeperFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Onana was beaten far too easily at his near post for Grimsby's opener on 20 minutes, and committed an even more calamitous mistake just moments later, fumbling a cross and leaving full-back Tyrell Warren with an empty net to stroke the ball home into. It's left the United Number 1's status even more at risk.

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Fans have vented their frustrations on social media. "Onana arguably our worst signing in prem history" wrote @UtdHarryy on X.

"Onana is honestly the worst goalkeeper we've ever signed" added @UtdXclusive.One fan, @AlanShields12, questioned the goalkeeper's commitment to the cause, writing: "Onana should never play for Utd ever again, sure he is doing it on purpose at this point."Meanwhile, @centredevils fumed: "SELL ANDRE ONANA IMMEDIATELY, DONT EVEN LET HIM ON THE BUS."Summing up Grimsby's hopes of advancing, @bethTmufc wrote: "All they have to do is shoot … Onana".

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Onana's double howler left United 2-0 down at half-time in their Carabao Cup second round fixture away at Grimsby. An exit at this stage would be hugely damaging for the club, marking a serious backward step even as Amorim's new-look frontline appears to be sparking more positive performances in the league.

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Onana could be in line for a move away from Old Trafford before the end of this summer transfer window, with West Ham reportedly interested in signing the Cameroonian international. His performance at Grimsby might end up dampening that interest, but it'll only make United more keen to draft in a replacement for the out-of-form shot-stopper.