Antony’s resurgence began the moment he arrived at Real Betis, a stark contrast to his struggles at Manchester United. He quickly rediscovered his form, scoring four goals and providing an assist in just eight league appearances, a testament to a renewed confidence blossoming in Spanish football.
“I’m finding myself again, finding myself happy,” Antony revealed to a Brazilian media outlet, his words echoing a profound sense of relief. He spoke of a difficult period where even a simple smile felt like a monumental effort, a weight lifted by the warm embrace he received at Betis.
The affection shown by the club and its supporters was pivotal. Antony emphasized that this welcoming atmosphere allowed him to reconnect with his joy for the game, appreciating the small details that had been lost during his time in England. He described his time with Betis as “one of the most beautiful chapters” of his life.
Despite expressing a desire to remain with Betis beyond his loan, the club faced intense competition from several high-profile teams. The interest from Bayern Munich, in particular, deeply affected the player. “Dude, I’m going to be completely honest with you right now, it really shook me up,” he admitted.
The allure of Bayern, with its global reputation and the presence of coach Vincent Kompany, was undeniable. Kompany himself reached out, expressing his admiration for Antony’s playing style late on transfer deadline day. The conversation, though polite and encouraging, added another layer of complexity to his decision.
Ultimately, family proved to be the deciding factor. Antony prioritized the well-being and happiness of his children, recognizing the profound impact Seville had on their lives. His son, Lorenzo, repeatedly expressed a longing to return to Spain, a sentiment that weighed heavily on Antony’s heart.
The influence of Isco, a fellow Betis player, also played a role. Antony recounted receiving persistent texts from Isco while he was still in England, urging him to join the club. Now, with Isco recovering from injury, Antony eagerly anticipates their partnership on the field.
Antony described Isco as not only a talented player but also a genuinely kind person who welcomed him with open arms. Their connection extends beyond the pitch, fostering a strong bond built on mutual respect and camaraderie.
During his time at Manchester United, Antony felt a sense of disrespect stemming from being isolated from the main squad and forced to train alone. He clarified that this feeling wasn’t directed at the manager, but rather at certain individuals within the club.
He acknowledged the difficulty of not participating in pre-season training and having to quickly adapt to a new environment at Betis. However, he credited his dedication to maintaining his fitness, allowing him to make an immediate impact upon arrival.
Despite the challenging circumstances at Old Trafford, Antony harbors no resentment towards Manchester United. He views the experience as a valuable lesson in resilience and wisdom, recognizing both the positive and negative aspects of his time there.
He expressed gratitude for the good moments and the people he met, emphasizing that his time at United contributed to his growth as a player and a person. Now, fully embracing his new life at Betis, Antony feels a sense of contentment and purpose.
