Qatari club Al-Sailiya announced on Thursday via its official X (Twitter) account that former West Ham United Jamaica international striker Michail Antonio has joined the club on a free transfer.

According to the Qatar Stars League club's official statement, Antonio has signed on a short-term one-and-a-half-year deal with the club which will only run until the summer of 2027.

Furthermore, according to the BBC, Antonio had recently been in talks with Charlton Athletic regarding a transfer.

However, negotiations with the EFL Championship club ultimately fell through because he could not accept Charlton's "pay as you play" offer.

Following his move to Al-Sailiya, Antonio, in an interview with beIN SPORTS, inevitably addressed the escalating tensions in the Middle East, including the UAE and Qatar, stemming from the US-Iran conflict.

He expressed his hope that the conflict could be resolved amicably as soon as possible, allowing civilians to return to a peaceful world and stable life.

About Michail Antonio

Michail Antonio, 35, was born on March 28, 1990, in Wandsworth, southwest London, England. He is 1.80 meters tall and primarily plays as a center forward, but can also play as a left or right winger. He holds dual British and Jamaican citizenship.

Antonio joined the youth academy of non-league club Tooting & Mitcham United at a young age. His impressive performances earned him trials with Tottenham Hotspur, Brentford, and Queens Park Rangers, but he was unsuccessful in these trials.

In October 2008, Antonio joined Reading. However, he was soon loaned back to Tooting & Mitcham United

From the following summer until 2011, Antonio was loaned-out to Cheltenham Town, Southampton, and Colchester United successfully. During his time with Southampton, he won the English Football League Trophy once.

In February 2012, Antonio was loaned-out to Sheffield Wednesday. His ownership was subsequently made permanent in August of the same year.

In August 2014, Antonio joined Nottingham Forest for £1.5 million.

During his time with Forest, Antonio's high goal-scoring efficiency attracted the attention of West Bromwich Albion, Derby County, and West Ham United.

On the following year's summer transfer window deadline day, Antonio transferred to West Ham United for £7 million.

In December 2024, Antonio was involved in a serious car accident in Essex, and he has not played for West Ham since. His contract expired the following summer. However, out of humanitarian considerations, the club allowed him to remain with the team for treatment until he fully recovered.

In June 2025, Antonio returned from injury and participated in the CONCACAF Gold Cup with the Jamaica national team.

During his 10-year spell with the Hammers, Antonio made 323 appearances for the Premier League club in all competitions, scoring 83 goals and providing 41 assists, and helped the team win the one UEFA Conference League title once.

Image source: Internet / Al-Sailiya Official X (Twitter) account