The winger got his first call-up for England under Allardyce.
England’s Michail Antonio during training
West Ham United winger Michail Antonio has spoken out about the departure of Sam Allardyce from the England role in an interview with ITV News.
Allardyce, himself a former manager of Antonio’s club side West Ham, left his role as England boss after just 67 days yesterday following allegations made by the Telegraph regarding how to get around third party ownership, among other reasons.
Antonio was handed his first call-up to the England squad by Allardyce for the recent World Cup qualifying win against Slovakia.
England’s Michail Antonio during the press conference
Speaking to ITV News Antonio made it clear he was sad to see him go, but that he would be working hard to get himself back in the England squad again:
“The last 48 hours it’s crazy how people are just looking to trap people now. The media is getting crazy.
“I feel like he was a good manager. At least he’s leaving with 100 per cent record.
“He [Allardyce] gave me my first opportunity, so I’m sad definitely sad but you’ve just got to move on and that’s how it is in football – people move on so you’ve just got to move on and keep doing what you’re doing.
“I’m a footballer, I’ve got to perform and if I keep performing the way I am performing it will be hard for the next manager to ignore me.”
Antonio has been in great form for West Ham recently.
West Ham United’s Michail Antonio looks dejected after the match
The winger, who took time to adapt to the Premier League following a move from Nottingham Forest last summer, has scored five goals in 11 games for West Ham this season – despite their current poor form.
If he can keep this form up, then the West Ham man will undoubtedly be in the running for another England call-up.
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