WEST HAM star Michail Antonio touchingly sat down with the “hero” paramedics who helped save his life after his terrifying car crash.
The 35-year-oldand was rushed to hospital.
Hein the accident and underwent surgery the following day.
And now the Hammers' record Premier League goalscorer has personally showed his appreciation to the men who helped him cheat death.
met with the two first responders Rob Moon and Dr James Moloney on the BBC‘s show.
The striker cannot remember the crash so he met with the heroic Essex and Herts Air Ambulance crew to “fill in the blanks”.
After meeting them in an ambulance hangar, Antonio began: “I want to say thank you because I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you guys.
“So you guys are basically my heroes.”
Antonio's accident happened during , which meant the air ambulance helicopter couldn't take off due to strong winds.
Dr Moloney and Moon – who were dispatched to the scene in a rapid response car – said they thought they recognised the Premier League footballer straight away.
Antonio was shocked to learn that the medics found his lifeless body in the back seat after noticing his fractured femur bone.
As fans, the paramedics clocked that they were helping a Premier League striker.
But their suspicions were confirmed after spotting a clue – his No 9 ‘Antonio' shirt in the foot-well.
I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you guys.
Michail AntonioBBC
Dr Moloney said: “We treat everyone the same whatever happens. But not many people have a shirt with their name on the back.”
To get Antonio talking, the medics spoke to him about football, including his different managers and career highlights.
The pair revealed that he was talking a lot and speaking repetitively, which is common when people bump their heads.
The medics put him on a trolley before boarding him onto the ambulance, and tried to keep him warm.
added: “For me, personally, I could never do your job.
“If I go there and see blood or people in trouble, I would just panic or faint. It's definitely something I wouldn't be able to do.”
The seriousness of it hit home when the forward saw the remains of the car at a scrapyard a few weeks ago.
The former star explained: “Being involved in a major accident can have life-changing physical and mental effects.
“I've processed it to a certain degree, but I think the emotions are going to take a long time. Mentally, trauma lasts a long time.”
He also revealed that it was harder for his loved ones to see him that way.
He said: “My family probably experienced the incident more than I did.
“They had to see how I was in the hospital. I don't remember my face being cut or going down for surgery the next day.
“They lived it. They have those memories.”
While there was some initial doubt as to whether or not he would ever play football again,is determined to get back on the pitch.
Not many people have a shirt with their name on the back.
Dr James MoloneyBBC
He previously told the BBC: “The most difficult part is that I almost wasn't there for my children.
“It's just made me happy, positive about life, because I've got another chance at life.
“During this, we kept it away from the kids. My eldest saw it, and he struggled with it.”
Antonio would watch games weekly throughout the early stages of his recovery to motivate him.
The Hammers icon admitted that hearing his name being sung by supporters “helped him massively”.
He made an for West Ham's 1-0 defeat to Newcastle
