Michail Antonio On Therapy, Mental Health Battles & His West Ham Future

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In this episode, we dive into the incredible journey of Michail Antonio, the West Ham United striker who rose from non-league football to European glory.
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After almost a decade at West Ham, Michail made history by becoming the club’s all-time top goalscorer in the Premier League. In this heart to heart conversation with Jake and Damian, Michail opens up about his time at West Ham, the constant speculation surrounding his future at the club, and the challenges he's faced in proving his worth season after season.
As West Ham undergoes a transition with the departure of David Moyes and a focus on younger players, Michail openly reflects on the evolving dynamics, where the influx of younger talent signals a potential shift away from seasoned players like himself.
Michail discloses how he fell in and out of love with football and his struggles with various mental health challenges, including the shocking reality of one of his lowest moments in the hours following West Ham’s Europa Conference League victory. Despite facing criticism and adversity, he maintains a resilient mindset, rooted in unwavering self-belief.
From stepping onto the Premier League stage to the invaluable lessons learnt from his managers past and present, Michail offers us a raw and insightful glimpse into the highs and lows of a professional footballer in the modern era.
0:00 What Is High Performance?
2:59 Leaving West Ham?
7:43 🚨 Eight Sleep
8:40 Football Is a Selfish Sport
15:15 Falling Out Of Love With Football
20:50 Lessons From Therapy
31:25 🚨 Manual
32:26 We See Each Other More Than Our Families
35:19 The Europa Win Was The Lowest Moment
37:20 Dealing With Criticism
43:02 Tottenham Trial
46:21 Premier League Debut
48:00 England Opportunities
50:24 Pellegrini, Bilić, Moyes
53:06 David Moyes Legacy
56:01 What's Next?
58:05 Quick-Fire Questions
#HighPerformance #MichailAntonio #WestHam #Hammers

[@connorjn8879]

I love Michail Antonio. He epitomises West Ham. Not technically the best but always runs, puts the hard graft in week in week out. He has done a lot for our club, £7m bought as a winger, played RB and turned into a striker. He’s done amazingly for West Ham. Sometimes watching Antonio makes me want to shoot myself because he can be terrible in some games, and he has looked sunday league at times. But I cannot fault his effort and commitment to the cause. I cannot fault that he’s got a lot of accolades. He has been a terrific servant for WHU. He will be looked back on with very fond memories & will be regarded with the likes of Di Canio. Thank you Michail Antonio. COYI ⚒️⚒️⚒️

[@michael2908]

Di Canio?

[@bulletdozerx9954]

As a Hammers fan myself I cannot agree. When did he last have a season free from injury? What is more his injury period is always over the winter months, the time of the season when you need a grafter. He lacks determination and has never had that 'killer instinct' that you need in a striker. Lovely guy, yes. Legend no - but neither was Di Canio. Start talking Moore, Hurst, Peters, Bonds & Brooking. They are true West Ham legends and we haven't had one since, although Rice was well on his way had he not left the club. We wont miss Antonio, he's too happy being a voice on a podcast.

[@connorjn8879]

@@bulletdozerx9954 You can’t use Antonio’s off the pitch podcast to determine whether he’s a legend or not. The man scored in our last game at the Boleyn, our first PL goalscorer in the new stadium. He is our European top scorer, our PL top scorer, the first West Ham player to score 4 away goals, the first away player to score against Spurs at their new stadium. He was bought for £7m and has been deployed in numerous positions. While at times I’ve found his technique frustrating, I have never doubted his ethic and work rate. How you can sit there and say he doesn’t have determination or work hard and is only injured in the winter months is shocking. The man has achieved so much at West Ham. You can’t have that many accolades at a club and not have determination.

[@Hertshammer]

Antonio is a legend, keep strong brother ⚒️⚒️⚒️

[@desmondranglin5128]

Jamaica 🇯🇲 love you!

[@WangXinWu]

Lifelong Hammers fan here, I love Antonio so much. You always fight for the Crest and always try your best despite not being 100% fit.Hope you will stay

[@topsecret6995]

He's a WHUFC legend, the fans love him - sad to hear of the troubles he's had - people making negative comments below why bother? Just say nothing it's boring - keep it positive - he's talking for one hour about his life and football - be respectful

[@AdamNicholsMusic]

because it's good to have discussions about football and share opinions? it's a big part of football. What would be boring is every discussion everyone just saying how great every player is. If It's abuse aimed directly at a player then that is bad. Talking amongst people about a player isn't it.

[@topsecret6995]

@@AdamNicholsMusic yeah I get it but too many trolls just say negative things for the sake of it - the guy is a top player and brave for coming on here - people should just support him rather than talking negatively - it's okay to have an opinion but it has to be delivered with appropriate intelligence

[@markyboy7012]

He’s not a legend!

[@sportslyricist8597]

Legend ? Lol 😆

[@topsecret6995]

@@markyboy7012 define legend then - most fans who watch him play would agree

[@reuelerastus-obilo9283]

Michail Antonio is an absolute inspiration to me. He's just so upfront and real with the way that he talks and addresses questions. You can see that he's been through a lot and simply wants to just be heard. Can't lie I love watching him bully premier league centre backs rough it up in the box. Hope to see you continue to play big man!

[@olivernoakes4483]

Great player and great personality for the club. West ham hero

[@MrMartininuk]

Please tell Michail he has been a wonderful footballer who truly expresses himself and has brought so much pleasure to those who`ve seen him play ..

[@dennischristie9171]

God bless to Antonio Michail thank you for representing for JA🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲 hope you find back that football ball spirit 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 we need you ⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️

[@adventure_2030]

💯🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🌏

[@DigitalNomad.1]

ANTONIOOOOOOOOOooooooooh ANTONIOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH ANTONIO ANTONIO ANTONIOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH

[@battlevain]

Great interview and all credit to Michail Antonio for normalising therapy. All clubs should have this on hand for all of it's players. How many lives and careers has he saved through his bravery and courage on speaking out. He is much more than just a footballer. He is a fine human being.

[@andewjordan1515]

Remember being at last game of last season against Leeds. After the game all players come out lap of honour with their families. There was Mick at the front by himself clapping and I turned to my Aunt and said “poor man looks done”. So sorry he had to go through it and so pleased he’s working on getting through to the other side. ✊🏽

[@tzera1178]

All of Westham are behind him. Westham legend ⚒️❤️

[@LukeyMalden]

West Ham legend ⚒️❤️

[@RichieSnake28]

🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲 has your back glad to have you in the colours

[@charliec8717]

west ham legend ⚒️

[@desmondranglin5128]

Looking forward to seeing you this summer 🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲

[@davidterry328]

Glad you had some happy times at Forest Michael ,amazing interview loved watching it glad your in a happier place now loads of love from a Forest fan always be loved at Forest ❤️❤️🙏😊

[@jwoodz3365]

Antonio is a West Ham legend. The hard work and resilience is everything we want to see in a player. Such a nice guy hope to see him score many more goals for West Ham ⚒️⚒️

[@stuartd5166]

I always felt he is a fans player. I’ve said for years if West Ham didn’t want him I’d have loved him at Palace. Look what he achieved there at West Ham, winning a European trophy, amazing achievement

[@bigtunesonly9348]

To be honest I'm not gonna lie. West Ham legend ⚒️

[@mrdan7740]

Forest fan here. Absolutely ❤ Michail Antonio. What a player.

[@evanwallace1949]

I remember Michail when he didn't get a sniff first season at west ham, since he got his first goal it broke the ice. Such a moment

[@johncook691]

Top fella very honest interview Bring back those goal celebrations

[@PWMoze]

An absolute legend. COYI

[@MillhouseSpeaks]

One of the best episodes

[@michaelprobert1967]

Brilliant interview. You can't but love this man's hard work and honesty. Just goes to show even professional sports men have their struggles.

[@cainmccabe106]

As I West Ham fan, I love Antonio because I can always have felt like I can relate to him. On the pitch and off the pitch. This has been a great interview to get into the minds of a player and see how they deal with the struggles of the game on and off the pitch

[@davidsovereign439]

I wondered why your celebrations were so reserved after prague , Stay strong 💪 my man .

[@melusishange3471]

Mr Antiono story is touching, hard work, determination and endeavours to stay on top of your game is everything.. Good players don’t make it bcz they don’t want to put some extra work and discipline.

[@ricardobaggio4330]

POWERFUL interview,👊🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲

[@grahamuk2]

Antonia , fans want to see someone who tries and 100% Antonio tries. He is a Legend even if his form falls off a Cliff. 9 years is a long time in football

[@julieannepaull]

ANTONIOOOO 😘⚒️🫧 LEGEND bruv 💪🏽😬

[@makrkhenshav9551]

Great podcast. Mickey Antonio, you deserve a medal for coming out with this. Stay strong, stay safe....COYI....

[@carl5959]

Great interview, blessings to Michail Antonio! 🇯🇲

[@RegalBulldog]

My fave player, so much respect for Antonio

[@leroydias5075]

This is such a great interview allowing us into Michail Antonio’s life. I wish you continued success in your career in top flight football, and hope you continue representing us (Jamaica) as we try to move forward with Jamaica’s football development. Blessings love Bredda 🙏🏾🇯🇲

[@blazes8n]

What a great interview. Fair play to Antonio for being very open and honest and vulnerable, he's been one of our most important players, should be appreciated more. Glad he's sorting/sorted out some issues, top geezer. All the best Michail.

[@boleynphil]

The Beast is a legend in my eyes..I remember years ago at Upton Park + has picked although not fit..I got barged into the advertising hordings + threw up his guts but never complained but the trolls said he played sh#it...David Gold now sadly passed away tweeted a lot of good things about Antonio - top player for me and want him at West Ham next Season as an impact sub

[@stephfarqiemb2009]

Very good interview. Loves his openness about therapy and his reality of being an individual soccer player and, at the same time, being a part of a team.

[@topcarshowroom7541]

MY NUMBER 9 🥰

[@bradthelad828]

Antonio is a top guy! So authentic. High performance for me is a someone who is disciplined and gets things right most of the time. (I know nobody asked but that’s my thoughts)

[@JB-td4zc]

Thank you, such a great insight. One of my all time favourite hammers !

[@davidsovereign439]

Mickey , back in beast mode ❤ look forward to next season with another new manager , good podcast chaps .

[@johnwarr9416]

Michael Antonio your a great footballer fella. And thank you for staying at westham. Quality. Coyi whtid x brilliant interview

[@HarryFlowerrs]

MIchail’s stats are on it : Games 300 Goals....82 Assists..40 That’s not far off a goal every two games! Mickey deserves a Testimonial!❤ COYI.

[@BCS09]

Math isn’t mathing

[@ashley892011]

Great interview

[@thunderjoy7250]

Love this guy....my favourite westham player❤coyi

[@ip3283]

Nice interview. It was relaxed, seemed honest and unrehearsed. I wish him all the best.

[@cuttistify]

BIG RESPECT MICHAIL, LEGEND YES,, ✊🏽

[@MrBzlezl]

Hell of a guy and a great footballer

[@Cozzy1306]

Like this guy coz he's a proper grafter and has shown unbelievable resilience to get where he has.

[@lornasinclair4768]

So insightful, you never know what’s going on in people’s lives, you see what’s on the outside but on the inside you are trying to hold it together make sense of everything that’s hard to do n live life at the sameness. Opening up isn’t easy either so you live inside of yourself. Free your mind for your own peace of mind a weight lifted is a blessing just knowing everyone goes through it as some stage will open you up in so many way to be healthier inside n out FREE YOUR MIND YOU WILL LOVE YOU FOR IT !❤️💞💕💗❣️

[@richardbresnahan1580]

What a legend

[@brawrecords]

Great podcast well done antonio!

[@connorjn8879]

You can’t use Antonio’s off the pitch podcast to determine whether he’s a legend or not. The man scored in our last game at the Boleyn, our first PL goalscorer in the new stadium. He is our European top scorer, our PL top scorer, the first West Ham player to score 4 away goals, the first away player to score against Spurs at their new stadium. He was bought for £7m and has been deployed in numerous positions. While at times I’ve found his technique frustrating, I have never doubted his ethic and work rate. How you can sit there and say he doesn’t have determination or work hard and is only injured in the winter months is shocking. The man has achieved so much at West Ham. You can’t have that many accolades at a club and not have determination.

[@jackhatcher525]

This was a really good watch, as a West Ham fan I thank Michail for being West Ham’s top goal scorer in the Premier league history. I felt for him when he was going through his divorce and therapy. I have had therapy before and I think I need it again, God bless you Michail and your family ⚒⚽️❤️

[@kamalgordon5606]

🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲we waiting on you this summer Antonio great interview

[@paugariesimms]

Great interview big bro

[@dlourenxo]

You are a Legend Bro!!!!

[@dafootball1695]

Oh my lord 😨 Antonio go through a very ruff time at west Ham... SMH 🙄 this man has a big and hard heart. Big up Antonio 💥🏆💯🙏

[@oneilwilliams5322]

🔥🔥🔥🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲We love you Michael

[@markwatson6579]

Love your honesty 👏

[@peterwalton1502]

He is good guy and brave talking about his mental health ⚒⚒⚒

[@Cbuda55]

Great podcast❤

[@cherylmadley]

Love....love....love!

[@VanillaGorilla2011]

nothing to say but.... ANTONIOOOOOOOOOO... ANTONIOOOOOOOOOO!!! COYI

[@ItsFrenchey]

who doesn't love mick absolute unit

[@adventure_2030]

GREAT DOODE RESPECT BRO 🙏🏽 🫡

[@andrewfitz6540]

what a legend⚒️

[@samuelriches3655]

brilliant player class

[@jewniordaley6714]

Respect Michail

[@private093]

Deep conversation. I hope he gets a hat trick this sunday. :)

[@thomasholmes-zm2kd]

My favourite player. Top man

[@audialiastt2601]

I needed that..... Life indeed "is a box of chocolate".

[@GarfieldFreeman-kf1hj]

Legend

[@paulwakeham6473]

West ham Legend ❤⚒⚒

[@Chris-ze6oh]

i wish yall asked about his decision on why he chose to play for jamaica. but all in all, good interview.

[@KingsOfSpins]

If Slaven had not played him at Right Back he'd be on 100 goals for the Hammers now. Naughty Slav. Michail will be a West Ham legend forever. Go hard at the City game, shoot from everywhere :-)

[@johnevans4679]

Great player, decent interview, good life lessons (He’s not a donkey).⚒️

[@OJSCollectables]

Top Player imo, and I'd happily take him at Coventry i think he can still do it in the prem and he would smash it in the Champ for a season or two 👏🏻

[@spencerhughes517]

Westham legend ❤ COYI

[@jacky4333]

I love you Micky

[@jkl92590]

Moyes certainly isn't a legend, but I've always liked you mick. Leave it all out there in a position where you're left so isolated... respect.

[@wiltonmcdonald2399]

Assist are just as important as goals. In order to score someone has to pass to you. I know back in the day they didn’t give the players (Midfield players) who assisted the importance they get now because it’s was their job. We hear numbers being mentioned now 8 & 10 but they were called inside forwards because the focal point of the attack was and always be a player who can lead the line. May be I am just an old geza but I would rather that than what I am watching now.

[@TMckenzie007]

Good hard working player

[@vernonharvey5657]

My favorite Hammer by far, I love Micky and there are very few people I would more love to sit down and have a beer or three. When I emigrated from England, we were a pretty tight knit group in our office and spent a lot of social time together, I didn't know how I would cope without them. never third from any of them after a couple of months and all quietly unfriended me on social media since. I've since left the company in Canada many years ago and built up a huge network of clients and vendors and social circle and we had lots of good times. Since I left I can count on one hand how many still keep in contact from both UK & Canada. Work people are not friends or family, don't pretend they are, most people can have good times together particularly when drinks are involved. Focus on things and the nearest dearest people that matter the most to you because those will be your only constant

[@michaelshephard6629]

Beast Mode ❤ COYI

[@stevebsb2997]

Need some balance here , on his day he's incredibly effective especially when he does'nt have time to think , i see people asking what defines a legend , " someone capable of doing exraordinary things " well he's certainly capable of that , ive seen him smash a brilliant goal in and destroy a defender in a foot race ,but he's also looked like a park player at times , maverick performer that will divide opinion ,for me he's made the most of his actual level of ability which is all anyone can ask .

[@MrHolden17]

Answered the first question like a job interview 😂

[@sportslyricist8597]

Nearing the end of his contract. Moyes is leaving so a proper football manager coming in? Good time to be 'open' about a big current subject

[@clevonwilliams8293]

Jamaica loves you. 🇯🇲 High Performance or Not

[@del8boy]

9 years at my club and top scorer in the premiership. All other forwards where sold quickly so someone can cash in. COYI

[@RoadTripperrr]

He knew what the first question would be. Gotta come w a better answer than that my man

[@trueredred859]

Forest legend

[@caseysamuels2960]

Get Raheem Sterling on next ?

[@jekylthorn8969]

Love Mickey, but I can't agree with him on Moyes. I think Mickey was key to Moyesball which maybe lifted the relationship. Bring on the next manager!

[@LeroyBailey-mf3st]

🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲

[@petershortland478]

Pure Professional never moans just gets on with it. Off the pitch, great character, funny, clever

[@dnbdevastator5786]

⚒