West Ham United’s deadline day signing Michail Antonio rejected the chance to play for fellow English top tier side Tottenham Hotspur in years past, according to Neil McLeman of the Daily Mirror.
The Englishman made the move to Upton Park from Championship side Nottingham Forest on the last day of the summer transfer window, having impressed in the second tier last season.
However, it has now been revealed that the 25-year-old had the opportunity to sign for Spurs as a teenager, only for his mother, Mrs Antonio, to stop him from doing so.
‘When I was 14 I had a trial for Tottenham. They were thinking of signing me but my mum said no. She said education comes first.‘
Antonio has already scored two goals and recorded one assist thus far this season, and he is now buzzing to make his East London debut.
‘But it was the best thing she has done for me. I managed to get my diploma in sport, so it’s one of those things where everything happens for a reason and now I’ve finally got here and I can’t complain. And she’s buzzing about me joining West Ham.‘
Having snubbed a move to White Hart Lane during his educational years, Antonio worked his way up the Football League pyramid, including various loan spells across the country.
The winger will wear the number 30 shirt for Slaven Bilic’s side, and could make his debut tonight against Steve McClaren’s Newcastle United.
