Former Manchester United winger Antony was given the chance to return to his boyhood club São Paulo during the final weeks of the transfer window, but the Brazilian made it clear that coming home wasn’t part of his plans.
Local journalist Alexsander Vieira reported that São Paulo reached out to explore the player’s situation, hopeful of a short-term deal that could see him back in the Morumbi since he was sold in 2020.
As confirmed by journalist Jorge Nicola in his YouTube channel, the idea was simple: a loan until December, with United continuing to pay his full salary and the Brazilian side receiving only a small percentage.
São Paulo knew it was a long shot, but the club saw a window of opportunity as Antony’s exit from Old Trafford dragged on. At that point, the winger was training away from the first-team group and weighing up offers from abroad after three turbulent years in Manchester.
Even so, Antony had already made up his mind. Vieira explains that the player and his representatives were polite but firm, a move back to Brazil was not on the table.
The 25-year-old had already given his word to Real Betis and felt his career still had chapters to write in Europe. “Antony didn’t consider returning to Brazil at this moment,” Vieira reported. “He had made a promise to Betis and wanted to stay in European football.”
That position quickly ended São Paulo’s hopes of a reunion. The club’s directors respected his decision and decided not to advance formal negotiations. Within days, Antony finalised a permanent transfer to Betis worth around €25 million, closing his Manchester United chapter for good.
Antony’s refusal to return to Brazil, though, adds an interesting layer to the story: even with his first club calling, he preferred to bet on himself in Europe, determined to prove he can still live up to the talent that made him one of United’s most expensive signings.
In the end, São Paulo’s approach was more about affection than ambition – an emotional idea that lasted only a few days. For Antony, it was about conviction. Staying in Europe, honouring his word to Betis and fighting for a fresh start felt like the right path after a spell in Manchester that never quite went to plan.
