Reggae Boy Antonio back in English football

Reggae Boy Michail Antonio has returned to English football following the signing of a one-year deal with Championship club Watford.

Antonio, 36, has not played competitive football in England since December 2024 after he sustained injuries in a car crash.

He played for Al Sailiya SC in Qatar last season and during the summer has been training at Watford in a bid to earn a contract with the club.

In a post on watfordfc.com yesterday the club said they are delighted to complete the signing of the experienced forward who has extensive experience of football in European competition, the Premier League and the Sky Bet Championship.

According to the club, head coach Alessio Dionisi plans to use that wealth of experience to complement the Championship’s youngest average starting line-up from a playing, mentoring and coaching perspective.

“It’s a good set of boys here,” said Antonio to watfordfc.com. “They are focused and ready to show their abilities this season.

“Watford is a big club and hopefully I can come in and bring success and help wherever I can.

“I’ve scored a few goals against Watford! So hopefully I can score some for Watford now when I’m fully up to speed.”

The striker will wear the number 18 shirt at Vicarage Road.

Antonio has scored 68 goals from 268 Premier League appearances. He won the UEFA Europa Conference League with West Ham in 2023 and has 24 caps for Jamaica.

Antonio made his international debut for Jamaica during the qualification campaign for the 2022 World Cup. He has also featured in the Concacaf Gold Cup for the Reggae Boyz.

sports@gleanerjm.com