Antony spent all summer waiting for a move to Real Betis and Manchester United eventually confirmed a deal on deadline day.
Last season, Antony thrived out on loan at Real Betis, but he returned to Manchester over the summer because the Spanish side hadn’t sorted a permanent deal.
Over the summer, it became incredibly clear that Antony only wanted to join Betis, which pushed United into a corner to negotiate a deal.
On deadline day, United announced Antony’s £22m exit, with the Red Devils retaining a 50% sell-on clause for the Brazilian winger.
It was one of several lengthy transfer sagas at United over the summer, and almost everyone involved – including Antony – is happy to see it’s finally over.
Antony accepting a silver medal with Real Betis after the Europa Conference League final defeat to Chelsea
Photo by Mikolaj Barbanell/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
Antony admits to ‘crying’ over Real Betis move
Heading into the summer, Antony was one of five United outcasts instructed by Ruben Amorim to train away from the first team at Carrington.
The group of players became known as the ‘bomb squad’, and Antony was kept away from United’s training for weeks as his future was being decided.
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In his first comments since joining Betis, Antony opened up on how difficult he found it being cast out at United.
As quoted by Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Antony said: “Last night I spoke to my family in Brazil and I was crying with happiness, because only I know what I’ve experienced in Manchester.
“It’s been very difficult, but everything that happens in life has a reason, and I knew I had to wait to experience this day today. I’m even more certain that it’s the best decision of my life.”
Antony added that he had “spent more than 40 days in a hotel” as he waited for the move to happen.
Man United can move on from Antony quickly
Ineos will be pleased with their transfer business at United this summer, especially in terms of the outgoings.
Player sales have been well below par for United, and while there were signs of improvement this summer, the Antony deal is not one that Ineos will look back on proudly.
United have suffered a £60m drop in Antony’s value having signed him for £82m from Ajax three years ago.
There were several issues during talks with Betis, with the Spanish club struggling to match United’s asking price. But Antony only wanted that move, so in the end, a cut-price deal was arranged.
READ MORE: ‘There’s only one’… Antony finally breaks silence with two powerful messages after Real Betis transfer is sealed
The sell-on clause somewhat protects United’s value, and could earn the club millions down the line if Antony continues to impress in Betis, but there is no guarantee.
Ultimately, everyone at United will hope to move on quickly from this deal and learn from the mistakes made when the Brazilian was signed.