The winger was denied the chance to join Spurs as a 14-year-old by his mother.
West Ham United’s Michail Antonio has a shot at goal
West Ham United winger Michail Antonio has been talking about how his Tottenham Hotspur heartache has helped to make him a better player – as reported by Goal.
The wide man has been in great form for West Ham over the past few months. He ended last season in top form and has started the new campaign in similar form, scoring five goals in 11 games for the club this season.
England’s Michail Antonio during the press conference
That form saw him earn a first England call-up earlier in the month, from the now former manager Sam Allardyce. It was quite an achievement from Antonio, who came through the system the hard way at non-league Tooting & Mitcham United.
But when he was 14-years-old he could have joined Tottenham Hotspur, but his mother prevented him from doing so – believing it would hinder his studies.
Speaking to Goal he has explained how he feels that not heading to Spurs, and coming up the hard way, has made him a better player in the long run:
“When my mom did not let me sign with Tottenham it gave me confidence to be able to do it with my skills but also so much sadness. I was in tears, because it was an opportunity to play in a professional team.
“But now I’m here, so I cannot complain.
Michail Antonio scores the second goal for West Ham
“In hindsight it definitely made me a better player. It made me have more ‘hunger’, more desire.
“It made me more motivated, I’m never satisfied. I always want to push, go well, because I feel I missed something in the past so I’ll be pushing.”
Antonio will be hoping to remain in the England squad for the upcoming fixtures under interim manager Gareth Southgate.
If he is to do so he may need to earn himself some more brownie points, by helping West Ham back to winning form in the league v Middlesbrough this weekend.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
