On transfer deadline day, the Brazilian winger signed with Real Betis from Manchester United.
During his first interview as a Real Betis player, Antony was visibly upset as he discussed his time with Manchester United.
Antony, 25, moved from Manchester United to Real Betis for up to £21.6 million on transfer deadline day, following a successful loan spell at the La Liga club in the 2024/25 season, during which he scored nine goals and assisted five times in 26 games.
The 25-year-old has agreed to a five-year contract with the Spanish club, ending his tenure at Manchester United, where he made 96 appearances since joining from Ajax in 2022.
During an interview with TNT Sports Brazil earlier this year, the winger spoke about the struggles he had while at United and stated that he had fallen out of love with sport.
“It was a moment when I thought about stopping playing,” Antony told me.
“I no longer felt that desire to play football because of everything I was going through, because of all the accusations and because I had remained silent for so long.”
He went on to say, “I had terrible times (at United) when I didn’t feel that pleasure. “I even told my brother I couldn’t take it anymore.”
During his time at Betis, the 25-year-old performed significantly better on the field and was clearly happier off it.
However, things did not go smoothly leading up to Antony’s permanent move to Betis. When it appeared that the deal was almost complete, it stalled until Betis issued a statement stating that it was off.
According to BBC Sport, Antony withdrew the offer because he “wanted part of his United contract paid off”.
However, the stated flaws were remedied, and a 50% net sell-on clause was added into the agreement with no pay-off to the player.
Antony was introduced as a Betis player on Tuesday, sparking wild celebrations among the club’s fans gathered at Seville airport.
The player has since spoken about his time with United once more.
https://x.com/NathSalt1/status/1962837529603764326
“What happened in Manchester, only I know how difficult it was,” said a visibly moved Antony at his unveiling.
“I apologize.” Separate training is required, yet it is a necessary aspect of life. I knew this would happen. It is in the past.”
https://x.com/elchiringuitotv/status/1962829319295631841
Of course, before to his departure, Antony was a member of United’s ‘bomb squad’, which comprised Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Tyrell Malacia, and Alejandro Garnacho.
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