Antony has opened up to ESPN Brazil about the dramatic final hours of the summer transfer window. His permanent return to Real Betis from Manchester United was confirmed despite late interest from Bayern Munich.
The 25-year-old made clear that, while the call from Germany was tempting, his heart was already set on Seville.
The winger explained decisive talks stretched long into the night, with his family and agents gathered, waiting for news.
“It was very difficult, because we were there in the middle of ‘will it close or not’. If I’m not mistaken, the deal was done at three in the morning. On the night before, Bayern Munich had also called me. I had practically everything closed with Betis. I am happy to be here, in a place where I have a lot of affection from people. It is a club I really like,” Antony told ESPN Brazil.
Betis secured him for €25m, having already signed him on loan in 2024/25. The fee represented a major commitment from the Spanish club, and the forward admitted he was determined to reward that investment. “From my first day here, I worked hard to find myself again, and I did. The affection I feel from this club is huge,” he said.
“Happiness is priority”
Family was also central to the decision. Antony revealed that his wife and children were already living in Seville before the deal was finalised, something that weighed heavily in favour of Betis over other suitors. “The financial side is important, but my happiness was the priority. My wife and kids were already here. Even when we were still in Brazil, my son would always ask when we were coming back to Spain,” he explained.
That commitment paid off in the form of a remarkable reception. Upon his arrival, Antony was greeted by crowds of Betis supporters, something he described as unforgettable. “That day will stay with me for the rest of my life. I couldn’t even get out of the car because there were so many people waiting. To arrive and see everyone shouting my name is a moment I will never forget,” he recalled.
“Nothing is impossible”
For Antony, who once carried the weight of a €100m fee at Manchester United, the move to Betis represents both relief and rebirth. The Brazilian is now determined to channel that support into performances that can help his club compete at the highest level. “We have very good players here. Last season we beat Real Madrid, we drew with Barcelona, we reached a European final. Every year the team is building strength. Nothing is impossible,” he said.
After a period of doubt, separated training and tense negotiations in England, Antony says he now “sleeps and wakes up smiling” in Seville. And it underlines the contrast between a costly, unfulfilled chapter at Old Trafford and a fresh start that appears, at least for now, to have brought him peace.
With Betis having beaten Bayern and other contenders to his signature, the forward has the platform he longed for to rebuild his career, and the fans have the idol they were waiting for.
