Antonio disappointed by Lingard decision

  • by Staff Writer
  • Thursday, 4th August 2022

Michail Antonio has admitted he was disappointed by Jesse Lingard's decision to snub a return to West Ham in favour of a move to Nottingham Forest.

United's number nine formed a formidable partnership with Lingard during his half-season stay at West Ham in 2021 - a relationship he expected to resume this season after the player was invited to return to east London.

Yet to the surprise of many, Lingard rejected West Ham's overtures in favour of joining Steve Cooper newly-promoted side - much to Antonio's frustration.


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"I definitely was disappointed," said the 32-year-old, speaking on the latest edition of the Footballer's Football Podcast. "He was quality for us, he was a massive player.

"He helped push us and he was one of the reasons why we did finish in Europe. We were looking forward to him [coming back] and he was a player who we definitely need right now in our squad. So the fact that we didn't get him and Forest did is... it's a great signing for Forest.

"I just put it down to he wanted to go somewhere where he can play week in, week out. At West Ham there's loads of competition - there's me, there's Said [Benrahma], there's Declan [Rice], there's Tomas [Soucek] and there's Jarrod Bowen, because he plays in midfield and up top.

"So he might have thought he might not get as much game time [at West Ham] or he decided that Forest was better suited for him as it was closer to home. I don't really know the reason behind it.

"I feel West Ham are probably better suited to push on and progress hs career - obviously with playing European football and stuff like that - but he probably likes the challenge, wants to go there and enjoy his football and see where he can get Forest in the league."

And when asked what personal qualities Lingard brought to West Ham, Antonio replied: "He's funny. So down to earth, so cool and such a nice guy. That's another reason why he'll be missed, because he's quality in the changing room - he's someone that you want to be around.

"So it's a big miss for us, but that's football. We move on, we keep going and we'll keep challenging for European football."

Despite being on the opposing team, Antonio admitted that he is looking forward to playing against Lingard when the two teams meet at the City Ground in West Ham's first away game of the 2022/23 season on Sunday 14 August.

However he revealed that he would not be celebrating should he score during that game, due to having spent one year with the Tricky Trees prior to moving to West Ham.

"I'm not going to lie, I loved my time at Forest," he said. "It was only one season but it was an unbelievable season.


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"I've always kept an eye on them since and I couldn't believe it when they got promoted. We've got them second game of the season and it'll feel weird for me, actually going back there to play against them.

"I don't know why that is as I've gone back to play against so many [of my former] teams and it was a little bit weird, but I've never felt anxious weeks before.

"I actually find it so weird going back to Forest and not be wearing the Forest kit. It shows the respect I have for the club and how much I really enjoyed my time there - so I'd never celebrate if I scored against them."

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