Antony has given another detailed interview in Brazil, and had another Manchester United related whinge. This time he’s been speaking to Globo Esporte, expanding on how his move to Real Betis changed his career and his mindset after a difficult final spell at Old Trafford.
The Brazilian explained that what he first saw as a step backwards became the turning point he needed.
A “step back” that became the best decision
Antony said leaving Manchester United for a loan in Spain initially felt like a demotion, but everything shifted once he arrived in Seville.
“At first I saw it as a step back. I needed to go back to playing, to get myself right. But when I set foot in Spain, I no longer saw it as a step back. I saw it as an opportunity to be well again, to be happy, to be back at the top,” he told reporters.
He revealed that the period before the move, marked by training away from the first-team group under Ruben Amorim, was one of the most complicated of his career.
“It was very difficult. I didn’t do pre-season and had to present myself to another club. The team trained in the morning, and I trained at five in the afternoon so I didn’t have access. Yes, I felt a bit disrespected,” he said.
Antony added, however, that he holds no resentment. He insisted his time at Manchester United also brought good moments and relationships he values.
Rediscovering his identity in Spain
The forward credits Betis for helping him recover confidence and identity. He described rediscovering what he called his ‘essence’ – not as a stylistic label, but as finding happiness again.
“I found myself. I found joy again. Here they treated me with affection from the first day. Being happy in the small details changed everything,” he explained.
Antony also highlighted his bond with team-mate Isco, who played a key role in encouraging his return. The former Real Madrid star contacted him repeatedly during the summer. “He always texted me: ‘Are you coming or not?’ I’ve always been a good group guy. It’s an honour to play with him. We have a great connection,” he said.
His 2024–25 loan turned into a breakthrough year. The Brazilian produced 15 goals and eight assists in 37 matches, settling quickly thanks to the climate, language and the reception he received. Family was decisive too.
His son Lorenzo loved the city, something Antony weighed heavily when Bayern Munich tried to sign him. “It shook me a lot. We’re talking about a world giant, and the coach, Kompany, called me late at night. But the decision in my family weighed. My son loves this place,” he said.
Antony now frames his move away from Manchester United not as an escape, but as the moment he recovered confidence, identity and rhythm – and the moment he rebuilt a career that stalled in England.
His message remains consistent: the Betis chapter has allowed him to find himself again, but the lessons learnt in Manchester still shape him.
