Antony has insisted he harbours no ill feelings towards parent club Manchester United, despite his struggles there.
The winger has enjoyed a dramatic uptick in form since leaving United and joining Real Betis during the January transfer window.
He has excelled for Betis, netting an impressive four goals and delivering an equal number of assists in just 11 appearances. His impact has been immediate, with his jersey quickly becoming the club’s best-seller.
Unsurprisingly, Betis are keen on extending his stay at the club and talks are expected soon with United to try and get a deal over the line.
A report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Antony is also scheduled to have a conversation with United, and now, the 25-year-old has strongly hinted that he has no interest in returning to Old Trafford.
Antony spoke to DAZN [via Metro] and remarked, “If they pay that kind of money for you, it’s because you have talent and quality.”
“Wherever I go, I’ll always speak highly of United. I’m very grateful to the club and to Erik ten Hag for what we experienced together, for the titles, and for everything I’ve learned.”
“I had difficult times there, but also very good ones. I think it prepared me to be here today, enjoying myself. My mind is here, and I’m very happy.”
Antony continued, “I found myself, I needed to find myself and be happy. I needed my family to be happy too. Every day that goes by I see that it was the best decision I could have made.”
“I’m enjoying the city, the club and everything. It reminds me a lot of Brazil because of the sun, the food, the people are also very happy. All of that is important for someone like me who is used to it.”
The United star explained that he doesn’t feel pressure because of his difficult upbringing in Brazil.
He told DAZN, “When I’m asked about pressure, I say ‘what pressure?’ I faced pressure in the favela when I didn’t have shoes to play, I played against drug traffickers and everything. That was real pressure.”
“When I left in the morning to go to school I often didn’t eat. So when I go through difficult moments I always think about the challenges that I overcame in the past.”
QUOTE | “Je jouais contre des trafiquants de drogue.” – Antony 😳🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/ywrfWoKl9f
— DAZN Belgique (@DAZN_BEFR) March 27, 2025
Qualification for the Champions League could significantly boost Betis’ chances of permanently securing Antony’s services and so, Los Verdiblancos will be eager to get a win when they host Sevilla on Sunday.
Featured image Fran Santiago via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
