West Ham’s Michail Antonio to take social media break after announcing father’s death

Winger did not suggest any connection to coronavirus

(Getty Images)

West Ham winger Michail Antonio has announced he will take a break from social media following the death of his father.

In an Instagram story on Tuesday, the 30-year-old revealed his father had died after spending much of the last decade in hospital.

“Over the last seven years my dad has been ill, in and out of hospital, and now his life has come to its end,” Antonio said.

“So I’ve been getting messages and I’ve been getting phone calls, and I just want to put this out and say: I’m not going to be responding to people much or be posting anything on Instagram until I feel like I’m ready to again.

“I want all of you to put my family in your prayers.”

Antonio did not suggest that his father had coronavirus symptoms.

In March, West Ham vice-president Karren Brady said the Premier League season should be voided amid the Covid-19 pandemic, but later appeared to change tack.

She also revealed that eight West Ham players had exhibited coronavirus symptoms.