'Money is important, but happiness is much more': Antony opens up after Man United exit
'Money is important, but happiness is much more': Antony opens up after Man United exit
© Imago
One of the most expensive signings in Manchester United's history - where he arrived in 2022-23 - Antony could not maintain a sequence of good football in the Premier League. However, since the start of 2025, the Brazilian striker has become one of the big names in La Liga wearing the Betis shirt.
Signed permanently at the start of the season for £21.4m (€25m), Antony has already resumed his role as a starter under Manuel Pellegrini. In an interview with Radioestadio Noche on Onda Cero, the Verdiblancos number 7 revealed why he decided to return even with other offers.
"I always seek happiness first and I was very happy here. I know that my children and my wife are happy here. Before making the decision, I spoke with my family. It is an incredible city, and the people too. Not just the supporters, but everyone," began Antony.
"I know that when I am happy, things end well. Money is important, but happiness is much more."
At Betis, Antony recovered joy
Manchester United's Antony on August 24, 2024
Manchester United's Antony on August 24, 2024
In recent seasons, the 25-year-old striker lost space at the Red Devils and was left out of Ruben Amorim's plans. To prove his worth, the Brazilian was loaned to Betis, where he was one of those responsible for the runners-up finish in the Conference League and qualification to the Europa League via La Liga.
Asked about how he rescued the good performances, Antony never hid that he was "happy" at Los Verdiblancos. Therefore, even when he was approached by other clubs from the main European leagues, the Brazilian striker prioritised his return to Betis.
However, the agreement with Manchester United was not easy to finalise. As a consequence, Antony spent 40 days in a hotel whilst training separately from the rest of the Red Devils squad. In the end, Betis unlocked the talks with Los Verdiblancos, who consider the number 7 "the best signing in history".
How to return the affection on the pitch?
Real Betis winger Antony in February 2025.
To leave the supporters fulfilled, Antony has a well-defined plan: to be champion with Betis. With a contract until mid-2030, the Brazilian striker believes that the Verdiblancos group is capable of realising this dream.
"The team is incredible. It is the best environment I have ever had. Everyone is together, smiling, talking, and that makes the difference."
Antony also revealed that he talks with Denilson, five-time world champion with the Brazilian national team in 2002, about the future. Before becoming a commentator, the striker from the Sao Paulo youth system became the most expensive signing in football history in 1998, when he was bought by Los Verdiblancos for 32 million dollars.
Over almost eight seasons, Denilson became one of Betis' standout players, where he was Copa del Rey champion in 2005. Inspired by the former striker, the current Verdiblancos number 7 wants to build his own history in Spanish football.
This article was originally published on Top Mercato.
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