Fresh Sheffield Wednesday claim emerges from Michail Antonio

Michail Antonio has opened up on the real reason behind his Sheffield Wednesday exit in 2014, revealing he never actually wanted to leave Hillsborough for Nottingham Forest.

The former West Ham United forward enjoyed a memorable spell with the Owls, helping the club secure promotion from League One during a successful loan stint in the 2011/12 season before making the move permanent from Reading a few months later. Antonio spent two further campaigns at Hillsborough and became a fan favourite, contributing to Wednesday’s push to establish themselves back in the Championship.

However, despite appearing settled in South Yorkshire, Antonio has now admitted his departure came as a surprise and was largely driven by the club’s financial needs.

Speaking on the LIFEJACKET YouTube channel, the 36-year-old revealed former Wednesday boss Stuart Gray informed him the club intended to sell him to Nottingham Forest, despite his desire to remain.

Antonio explained that he was happy at Sheffield Wednesday and would likely have stayed long term if the decision had been his. But Gray reportedly told him the club needed funds to strengthen elsewhere and believed a move would help him develop further by playing alongside stronger players.

The switch ultimately proved a turning point in Antonio’s career. After joining Forest, he enjoyed a standout Championship season in 2014/15, producing 14 goals and 12 assists — form that earned him a move to West Ham in 2015, where he would go on to spend a decade in the Premier League.

Despite becoming best known for his exploits in East London, Antonio remains fondly remembered by Sheffield Wednesday supporters for his impact during their League One promotion-winning season and his energetic performances at Hillsborough. His debut came in a Steel City derby victory over Sheffield United, while memorable displays against Bury, Bournemouth and Carlisle United quickly cemented his popularity among the Owls faithful.

Antonio may have gone on to bigger stages, but his latest revelation has offered fresh insight into a Sheffield Wednesday exit that, from his perspective, was never part of the original plan.