WEST HAM WINGER Michail Antonio admits his mum prevented him from joining Tottenham’s academy when he was 14.

The 25-year-old, who began his career at non-league Tooting & Mitcham United, has scored 11 goals in 26 appearances for West Ham this season, including his last three matches in a row.

But Antonio has revealed that he could have started his career at White Hart Lane, rather than working his way through the divisions.

“When I was 14, I was playing for my school team and one of my teachers also coached at the time at Spurs,” Antonio told Sky Sports.

“He mentioned it and a scout came to a game and was looking to sign me and my friend. He signed for them although he didn’t manage to make the academy, but my mum wanted me to concentrate on my education.

I was commuting from south-west London at the time and I would be getting back quite late. I was crying [at the decision], I’m not going to lie, and I was saying, ‘You’ve ruined my life mum!’

“But I managed to do my schoolwork and went to college so I feel I’ve done it the right way.”

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