Antony broke down in tears at his Real Betis presentation this morning and admitted “only his family” knew how difficult it was being part of the ‘Bomb Squad’ at Manchester United.
The Brazil winger yesterday secured a permanent move back to Betis following a hugely successful loan spell last season.
It brought to an end a thoroughly miserable three-year spell for Antony in Manchester. He made 96 appearances, scoring 12 goals, for United after joining from Ajax for £80m and was forced to train with fellow United outcasts Jadon Sancho, Tyrell Malacia and Alejandro Garnacho before a move back to Seville was finally agreed on deadline day.
Antony hailed a hero on Betis return
His return has gone down well with the Betis support and, speaking today at a restaurant on the banks of the Guadalquivir, the 25-year-old outlined how hard it had been for him at Old Trafford.
“Only my family know how difficult it was to be there,” he said, regularly wiping away tears. “Training separately… but I knew that this incredible moment was going to come. Of course I was afraid that this would not happen, but I waited because I had a lot of faith.”
Antony has been showered with affection on his return and he said it was all a little overwhelming, adding: “It’s the first time I’ve experienced this. When I put on the shirt I’m going to run for each of the Béticos.
“For me, affection is very important and it’s not all about money. Here I have a lot of feeling and affection, it was always my first choice and that’s why I waited until the last day to return to Betis. Now I’m here and happy in a city and in a club that I love.”
Seville is more beautiful than Manchester
Antony couldn’t resist a little dig at the life he had left behind.
He said: “What a difference! Seville is more beautiful than Manchester. I’m finally here.
“I have spent more than 40 days in a hotel, it has been very hard but everyone knew that I wanted to return to Betis. Now with more time, we have many things to do and to achieve.
“It has been difficult for me to sleep while seeing so much affection from the Béticos, there were people waiting at my house at two in the morning.”
It has been reported Antony has taken a pay cut to get out of United while the club also suffered huge losses with Betis paying a fee in the region of £22m.
Betis president Angel Haro hailed the move and all those who made it happen.
He said: “They have been hard months of negotiation and I want to thank all the levels of the club, your agents and you [Antony]. The conviction that we were going to cross paths again has prevailed.”
Antony is set to make his second debut for Betis after the international break when they visit Levante in La Liga.
