English soccer star Michail Antonio, playing for West Ham United FC in the English Premier League, recently honored Serena Williams while celebrating Women’s Day. While the whole world celebrates International Women’s Day honoring the women in their life, West Ham United FC came up with a witty idea. Fifteen players from the team, including captain Declan Rice, accessorized their jerseys with tributes to the most important women in their life.

Antonio, who plays as the striker on the team, when asked why he chose Serena Williams as the most influential woman in his life, spoke of her legacy and her mental strength. For a soccer player who is the club’s all-time highest goal scorer in the Premier League, to confess to a woman’s contribution to sports is in itself admirable. However, the majority of fans on Twitter did not resonate with Antonio’s emotions.

“Serena Williams” shines on a West Ham United FC kit

To celebrate the spirit of International Women’s Day, players from the London-based Premier League side went along with adorable training kits, paying tribute to the most important women in their lives. On the back of their kits, the players flaunted words like ‘Mum,’ ‘Mama,’ or their mothers’ names. Antonio, however, decided to give a unique shout-out to the 23-time Grand Slam champion, wearing a jersey that simply read “Serena Williams” on the back along with his kit number.

Fans on Twitter were quick to react to this news with equally sarcastic and wholesome comments.

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A fan wrote, “Didn’t realize Serena’s son played for West Ham”, referencing how Antonio did not talk about his mother, but Serena.

Other fans have talked about how Antonio is going to be in trouble for not taking his mom’s name. Some have also laid speculations about Antonio’s relationship with his mother and his family.

Meanwhile, Serena fans wish that this adorable gesture reaches the WTA legend herself.

However, Antonio does have a good reason for standing out from the crowd by going with Serena Williams.

So why did Antonio choose Williams?

According to a West Ham United club statement, Antonio justified his choice by talking about Williams’ indomitable strength and willpower that inspired him the most.

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“Serena was arguably the greatest tennis player of her generation, and really showed what you can do if you put your mind to something and believe in yourself. Her achievements speak for themselves really. She is such a talented individual,” Antonio says.

Antonio’s tribute to Williams is significant, considering the many challenges that the tennis star has faced and overcome throughout her career. Williams is known for her resilience, tenacity, and never-give-up attitude, which have made her a role model for young women and girls around the world.

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