Michail Antonio has vowed not to celebrate should he score for West Ham against Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
The 32-year-old spent a year at the City Ground between 2014 and 2015 before moving to east London, where Antonio has since settled after a nomadic career in his earlier days.
David Moyes’ side become the first Premier League team in over 20 years to experience a top-flight atmosphere at the City Ground this weekend.
Forest’s home form will likely be key in their survival bid and playing in front of a raucous support at one of England’s most iconic grounds could well be a boost to Steve Cooper’s team, should they harness its power.
Clearly, it’s hard to ignore Jesse Lingard ahead of West Ham’s visit. A target for Moyes, who expected to re-sign the England international following his successful loan spell in east London last year, his move to Forest raised eyebrows and provides a fascinating subplot to the game.
Antonio, meanwhile, has spoken of the respect he has for Forest and vowed to keep the celebrations muted should he find the back of the net on Sunday.
“No, I’d never do that [celebrate],” he told Sky Sports.
“I have too much respect the club, I have too much respect for the fans to do that.
“Obviously I’m going to go out there and do my job but I’d never celebrate because the time I had there, I really loved it and Forest is close to my heart.”
