Antony’s dream six-month spell with Real Betis came crashing down on Wednesday night in the Conference League final.
Everything had been going Antony’s way since he switched Manchester United for Real Betis in January.
It was a move that left Old Trafford fans happy to see the back of the struggling Brazilian, but the £86m Erik ten Hag signing found a new lease of life.
In 26 games, Antony scored nine and assisted five, which is the exact number of assists he made in 96 appearances for United over the two and a half seasons.
Antony has become an instant club hero for Betis and might have become immortal for the Seville-based side should he have inspired a win over Chelsea in the club’s first-ever European final.
However, it was not to be.
Photo by Aitor Alcalde - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Photo by Aitor Alcalde – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Antony speaks out after losing the UEFA Conference League final
Antony was disappointing for Betis during the Conference League final defeat to Chelsea, in which Jadon Sancho scored for the Blues, which may have secured his £25m move to the London side.
The loss left Antony in tears, with Sancho embracing his former United teammate post-game.
After the dust had settled, Antony spoke with CBS Sports, discussing his future with his loan now concluded.
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“I don’t know what will happen in the future; only God knows. My work is playing, and I’m doing that well.
“I have a lot of affection for Betis, for everyone, but I have a contract with Man United and I don’t know what’s going to happen.”
He continued: “Now I will go to the national team and then on holiday, then we will see what happens in the future.
“I’m very happy here, everyone knows that, but I have a contract.”
Manchester United miss out on Antony, raising his price tag further
Antony had a brilliant six months in Spain, and United will be delighted with his performances.
Having started 2025 as an unsellable asset, due to his form with United being awful for two years, the Brazilian has now placed himself as one of Europe’s most desired players this summer.
Antony is wanted by Atletico Madrid, with £40m tipped as the price that the La Liga side will be willing to pay.
However, if Betis had managed to win the final, with Antony playing a starring role, this might have risen even further.
Antony’s future remains away from United, and the next month will be interesting to see where he ends up.