Antony has admitted his spell at Manchester United was “difficult” and has insisted he had multiple offers to leave the club. The Brazil international was shipped off on loan to Real Betis last month after enduring a tough time in the Premier League.
Antony followed Erik ten Hag from Ajax to United in the summer of 2022 after impressing in the Netherlands, with the Premier League giants shelling out more than £81million to secure his services.
But he underwhelmed in the north west and failed to start a single league match this season ahead of his move to Spain.
Discussing his transfer to Real Betis as he was unveiled to the media, Antony said: “I had other proposals, but when Betis appeared I felt a certainty in my heart that made me stay calm. I’m happy here and I want to conquer many goals.
“I’m happy here for everyone, for the coach and the players. I feel calm and confident. I want to find my best version and the first step is to be happy.
“Everything here is incredible, my family and I are happy. Now it’s time to work to be at my best and help the club in everything.
“I’m going to give my life at Betis, not only in the match but in training. I will always do that. It’s 100 per cent that I’m going to do that.”
And when asked whether he could end up staying at Betis beyond the end of his loan spell, he explained: “To stay at Betis? You have to respect the process, I went through difficult times.
“If I have to stay longer, I would have to talk to the president and everything. And at the moment I want to play and score goals and give assists. I must help the team. Later we can talk about that.”
Antony linked up with former Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini when he signed for Betis. The 24-year-old was then handed his debut in the Spanish side’s 2-2 La Liga draw with Athletic Bilbao at the weekend.
And the attacker added: “I spoke with the coach [before the move] – the conversation was very good. Very calm also for that in training and the match. I was very calm because the conversation was very good. He gave me a lot of confidence and everyone knows the experience he has.”
Real Betis’ draw at the weekend leaves them 10th in the La Liga table. The side will travel to Celta Vigo on Saturday.
Content Source: www.express.co.uk