Manchester United’s Antony has been on loan at Real Betis since January.
The winger lost prominence at Old Trafford this season and his situation didn’t improve after Ruben Amorim replaced Erik ten Hag in November. He played over 400 minutes from 14 games for Manchester United this season, managing an assist in the process.
Antony has already played 547 minutes from seven matches for Real Betis, scoring three goals and registering two assists.
Wednesday’s edition of Marca has published an interview with the 25-year-old’s agent, Júnior Pedroso. He discussed what led to his client’s temporary exit from the English club and why Antony decided to pick the La Liga side.
The agent explains Spain was the unanimous choice after deciding to leave Manchester United.
“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 said.
Los Verdiblancos weren’t the only Spanish club to show interest in the former Ajax man. There was interest from other clubs, but the Brazil international was determined to join Real Betis.
“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,” Pedroso explained.
“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.”
The agent reveals the Brazilian’s family had “total influence” in his decision to join Real Betis.
“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,” he added.
“Antony travelled with his wife, Rose, to choose the house where they would live.”
The loan move has clearly worked out well for the Manchester United man.
On his client’s exploits so far, the agent said: “…an incredible experience, it seems like he has been at Betis for years, it was the best decision.”
On Tuesday, Real Betis CEO Ramón Alarcón revealed Antony has informed him that he wants to extend his stay for another year.
