TNT SPORTS have announced the return of a newly unemployed Premier League star as part of their punditry line-up for the Community Shield.
Premier League champions Liverpool lock horns at Wembley with FA Cup winners Crystal Palace in the broadcaster’s first match of the season.
Sunday’s clash at Wembley will be the first time the Community Shield will be broadcast on TNT, after a new four-year deal was announced earlier this week, removing the rights from ITV .
But a new broadcaster will not be the only change, as regular TNT viewers will notice a new line-up of pundits for its coverage of the match.
West Ham legend Michail Antonio will be adding his expert analysis to the coverage in his first appearance since he was released from the club after 10 years .
He will appear alongside TNT regular Steve McManaman and debutant Joel Ward , who will be representing the Liverpool and Crystal Palace contingents of the punditry lineup.
Fara Williams and Joe Cole will also be involved, as well as commentary box regulars Ally McCoist and Darren Fletcher returning to their roles.
This will not be the first time Antonio has formed part of TNT’s presenting line-up, most recently appearing pitch-side at the Conference League final between Chelsea and Real Betis.
Antonio already made headlines this week after he was released by West Ham, following 10 years at the club.
In his time with the Hammers, he scored 83 goals in 323 appearances.
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However, the 35-year-old’s career came to an abrupt end following a horrific car crash.
On December 7, Antonio was driving through Epping Forest during stormy weather when he lost control of his Ferrari and crashed into a tree.
As a result, the Jamaican did not make another appearance for West Ham at senior level, despite attempts to return to fitness.
A week before his release was confirmed, Hammers boss Graham Potter alluded to the potential end of the Jamaican international’s tenure, saying he would not likely be involved in the squad this season.
Antonio’s presence in the punditry line-up comes as part of a major shake-up for the broadcaster, as longstanding pundit Rio Ferdinand will no longer be involved – to be replaced by Gareth Bale.
Ferdinand announced the end of his 10-year relationship with the broadcaster at the end of last season.
He said: “After 10 incredible years, I have made the difficult decision to step away from TNT Sports after the Champions League final.
“Since retiring from football it has been a privilege talking about the game I love for a decade for sports fans watching on BT Sports and TNT Sports.
“I want to acknowledge the tremendous support from the team behind the scenes, whose hard work often goes unseen, but has been essential to our success.”
Bale has been announced as the permanent punditry replacement for Ferdinand on TNT for the whole of the season.
