Manchester United have already seen Antony explain his turnaround at Real Betis more than once – and he is not really changing the script.
The Brazilian is still putting up strong numbers in Spain, with 13 goals and nine assists in 41 matches this season. That output has helped him rebuild confidence after a difficult spell at Old Trafford, where things never quite clicked consistently.
Recently he revealed that going to Real Betis was “one of best decisions of his life”. Now, in another interview with Globo Esporte, Antony has again gone over the same themes. This time, he added a bit more detail about what went wrong during his Manchester United period.
Antony again points to off-pitch issues
Antony insists his struggles in England were not about football ability.
“The off-pitch part influences a lot. I had some problems outside football that affected me. It was a complicated moment, but it brought learning and maturity,” he said.
“It was in those difficult moments that I stopped, reflected, and started to value simple things. It was a tough period behind the scenes, which few people know about, but it made me realise I needed to find myself and be well for things to flow.”
He made it clear he does not regret joining Manchester United.
“I did not forget how to play football. I do not regret going to Manchester. I am grateful to the club. I learned a lot there,” Antony added.
Betis still the turning point
Antony once again described his move to Real Betis as the key moment.
“For me it was very important. It was where I found myself. Here I found myself and was able to be very happy in a short time,” he explained.
“Even before arriving on loan, I was already preparing mentally, because I knew I had little time and could make a difference.”
He also pointed to how quickly things changed after leaving Manchester United.
“I was called up again [by the national team] shortly after arriving at Betis, which was very important for me. It was emotional because of the turnaround. I was playing little, not feeling well or happy in England, and then I came here and helped the team, became one of the standouts.”
“Today I feel much more prepared, much more mature. I am living my best moment on and off the pitch, with my family.”
Cristiano Ronaldo story adds fresh detail
Antony did at least offer something new, sharing more about his time with Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United.
“Cristiano is a great person. You learn a lot from him,” he said. “He once joked with me that people think he is arrogant, but in daily life he is very playful.”
“We would sit at the table and he would talk about life, books, many subjects outside football. That was nice because it helped us disconnect. He would say: ‘Today we are not going to talk about football’.”
There were also lighter moments behind the scenes.
“Once in the sauna he joked with me, showed his physique and asked if he looked 23. I was even embarrassed, because you see his level of care even at almost 40. He is a reference for everyone.”
Man United spell still sets the tone
Antony keeps telling the same story, just with slightly different details each time. He clearly does not look back at Manchester United with frustration, but he also does not sound like someone who misses it. Meanwhile, United have moved on as well.
Still, his form at Betis continues to underline that there is a player there. A reminder that context and environment can shape outcomes as much as ability.
