HAMMER IS ONLY HAPPY TO RETRACE HIS ROOTS!

Michail Antonio is one of football’s biggest rags to riches success stories – but also one of the game’s most humble

- Tony INCENZO

At 33, Antonio is West Ham United’s leading Premier League goalscorer and has racked up seven international caps for Jamaica having twice been handed an England call-up.

But the Wandsworth-born striker has never forgotten his unpretentious roots and harbours a rather unique ambition when his professional playing career comes to an end.

“I’ve always been interested in owning my own team,” Antonio, who started his career at Tooting & Mitcham United, exclusively told The NLP.

“I relish working with youngsters and bringing people through. In addition, I value building something up from scratch.

“So if I was going to buy a club it would probably be a Non-League outfit. I could oversee it climbing all the way to the top. That would be a massive project and a huge challenge to take a team towards Football League status.

“I’ve noticed other past players like the lads at Salford City getting similarly involved. Robbie Savage has shares in Macclesfield too. Footballers are beginning to invest in clubs and I want to be the next one.

“Once you retire from the game we all love, you aim to stay in and around it. Although it would be a few years down the line for me. Plus I am not too sure if I would be allowed to own a club while still playing.

“Maybe it might feature a team where I hold a personal attachment such as Tooting & MItcham. I grew up in the neighbouring area. I know individuals happy to invest and help me. It is a case of finding the right club and discovering the right philosophy.

“I enjoy a good relationship with the T&MU owner Steve Adkins. I haven’t spoken to him regarding buying the club and I am not sure if he would want to sell. Though I am aware he is always willing to talk to me.”