Michail Antonio has officially returned to English football after signing a one-year contract with Watford.
The experienced striker joins the Championship club as a free agent following a difficult period in his career that began with a serious road accident in December 2024.
The accident left Antonio with a significant leg injury and required extensive rehabilitation. After leaving West Ham United in 2025, the forward eventually returned to football with Qatari side Al-Sailiya earlier this year.
Now, the 36-year-old has decided to return to England and continue his career with Watford.
Antonio became one of the most recognisable figures at West Ham during his long spell at the London club. He is the club’s all-time leading Premier League goalscorer and developed a reputation for his physical strength, direct running and ability to play both as a striker and in wider positions.
His experience could prove valuable to Watford.
The club are currently competing in the Championship and will hope Antonio can provide additional attacking quality as the season progresses.
However, the striker will need time to regain full match sharpness after his long recovery.
Antonio himself has expressed optimism about the move and believes Watford have the potential to achieve something significant.
The one-year contract gives both player and club an opportunity to assess the partnership without committing to a longer deal immediately.
For Antonio, it represents another chapter in a career that appeared to be in serious danger of ending after his accident.
His return to English football will therefore carry plenty of emotional significance.
Watford will be hoping the experienced forward can translate his Premier League knowledge into goals, leadership and physical presence as they attempt to climb the Championship table.
