The agent of Manchester United star Antony, has revealed that the player’s decision to leave the club was motivated by a desire to play regularly – something that was no longer guaranteed in England.
Antony lost his place in the team under Erik ten Hag and also failed to break into Ruben Amorim’s plans.
United sanctioned his exit during the transfer window, allowing him to join Betis on loan until the end of the season.
The Brazilian has looked like a player reborn, scoring three goals and adding two assists in just seven games across all competitions.
He managed just 12 goals and added five assists in 96 games for the Red Devils despite being the club’s second-most-expensive signing of all-time after Paul Pogba.
Antony’s performances have given Betis hope of clinching European football – an objective that was aided by their victory over Real Madrid last weekend.
Unsurprisingly, Betis are keen on making his stay in Seville a permanent one, although United are believed to be asking for more money than they’re willing to fork out.
Betis CEO Ramon Alarcon recently revealed that Antony also wants to extend his stay at Estadio Benito Villamarín for at least one more year.
Antony’s agent – Júnior Pedroso – spoke to Marca [via SportWitness] and explained what led to his client’s temporary parting of ways with United. He also disclosed why they settled on Betis as the ideal place for the 25-year-old to revive his career.
Pedroso said, “We realised that Antony would have few minutes at Manchester United at a crucial time to recover his football, so I spoke to his brother Emerson about the possibility of a relocation on loan.”
“It was unanimous, La Liga was the ideal destination.”
He added, “We identified three or four clubs that could fit the bill and Betis emerged as the most promising option, so we started talking to [Manu] Fajardo, [Ramón] Alarcón and Ladrón de Guevara and later, with my partner Cristiano, we negotiated with Manchester United.”
“We spoke with two other La Liga clubs, one of them even presented a formal offer. He studied the team, the squad and the style of play, and decided quickly.”
“Several factors were decisive. The city of Seville, with a welcoming environment for Antony and his family; the style of play in La Liga, which fits his characteristics; the competitiveness of Betis; and of course, the work of Pellegrini.”
Pedroso noted that Antony even travelled with his partner to choose where they’d live.
On the winger’s time in Spain so far, Pedroso remarked, “An incredible experience, it seems like he has been at Betis for years, it was the best decision.”
The United loanee and his Betis teammates are back in action on Thursday as Real Betis take on Vitoria SC in the first leg of their Europa Conference League round of 16 fixture.
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!
