Soucek dedicates goal to Antonio: "He is a massive player, he is in my heart"
Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 10.12.24. | 21:44
West Ham midfielder reveals they had a video chat with the heavily injured striker
Tomas Soucek dedicated his goal in West Ham's 2-1 Premier League win over Wolves to Michail Antonio. The experienced midfielder revealed that the Hammers had a video call with their injured teammate before Monday's game.
The 34-year-old forward is in hospital after a horrible car crash on Saturday. Antonio underwent surgery on Sunday on a lower limb fracture and will continue to receive care over the coming days.
When asked about Antonio, Soucek told Sky Sports: "The goal was for him. I said before the game I really wanted to score even more today.
"He's been here since I came here - he is really my favourite. I said it would be tough for me to play without him.
"I am happy that he is doing fine, but this is for him. He is a massive player and he is in my heart."
The Czech international was worried when he heard the news of Antonio's accident:
"It was really tough for us. I was with the kids and I saw this information on the phone. I messaged everyone asking what happened and how he was.
"I was so scared what was going to happen. It was a really tough week for him, his family and us.
"We had a video call with him, the whole team, before the game. He smiled to us and gave us all the best. I can't wait to visit him. He is a really lovely guy and also funny. He even made a few jokes before the game and he wished us all the best."
Antonio is West Ham's all-time leading scorer in the Premier League, with 68 goals in 268 league appearances.
Soucek added: "He is probably one of the best players West Ham have had.
"He will be soon with us. These things can happen, but hopefully he will be even better soon."
