Antony pictured during his loan spell at Real Betis
Antony pictured during his loan spell at Real Betis(Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)
Manchester United winger Antony has admitted he went through a painful period at the club when he was struggling for form.
The Brazilian moved to Old Trafford for £82m in Erik ten Hag's first transfer window at the football club. Despite a short spell of good performances, his form was largely disappointing for the Reds and when Ten Hag was sacked in October and replaced by Ruben Amorim in November, the writing was on the wall for Antony.
In January, he was loaned to Real Betis and enjoyed a resurrection. He bagged nine goals and five assists for the Seville club as they reached the Conference League final.
His form in La Liga led to Antony returning to the Brazil squad this month and he has been speaking about his difficult time with the CBF [Brazilian FA]. "Look, the key for me, of course, is to cling to God," he explained.
"I attach great importance to this, and also to my family. Honestly, during the difficult time I went through, I even doubted myself.
"I thought I wouldn’t get through that situation. My family always told me to calm down.
"‘Calm down, this is the process’, they told me. The process is painful, and we have to accept it.
"Today I understand everything I went through, the resilience I had after being down there, without hope. I kept doing my job, I kept working for the club [Manchester United], I kept doing my part.
"Today, I look back and see that this process was necessary. I feel like a much more mature person, much more prepared.
"I feel like a better father, a better husband, and a better man. It was worth it." When asked where that inner strength came from, Antony added: "Even though I had no hope, even though I was going through a difficult time, at the same time I remembered many things I’d experienced.
"Well, then I stopped to think: ‘I didn’t learn to play football, I didn’t play in a World Cup in vain, I didn’t join the national team in vain.’ Everything has a reason, everything has a process.
"And this process was very necessary in my life. It made me stronger, and being here today is a dream come true.
"It’s very gratifying. I’m grateful for the opportunity. I’m grateful for everything."
MEN Sport understands that Antony is on the list of United players that the Reds are open to selling this summer. Real Betis are thought to be keen on bringing the 25-year-old back to the club but only on loan which would be a sticking point for United.
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