Antony reveals that his latest call-up for the Brazil national team meant more than his first.
The 2024/25 season is a story of two halves for Manchester United flop Antony.
After spending the first half of the season as a bit-part player, falling down the pecking order at Old Trafford, Antony joined Real Betis on loan in January.
Antony rejuvenated his career by helping Real Betis secure a place in the Europa League next season, delivering performances that justified a permanent move. Yet, it remains to be seen if the Spanish outfit can afford a deal to sign the Brazilian international.
United are hoping there will be competition for Antony’s signature, so they can cash in on a player who flopped after costing a whopping £82 million to sign from Ajax.
Atletico Madrid have identified Antony as a target, and there’s interest from Germany following Erik ten Hag’s arrival at Bayer Leverkusen.
Antony was called up to the Brazil national team after being continuously overlooked before Carlo Ancelotti’s appointment. It was further proof that the winger had overcome a difficult spell in his career.
Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Antony had an ’emotional’ return to the Brazil national team
After showing clear signs of improvement in La Liga, it became apparent that the 25-year-old may not be suited to the Premier League.
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Other clubs around Europe will now think that a player of Antony’s talent could make a positive difference in their teams.
Newly appointed Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti thinks so after recalling Antony to the squad for the recent round of internationals, although he did not make an appearance under the Italian coach.
Still, Antony claims his return to the national team was more ‘emotional’ than his first Brazil call-up after ‘hitting rock bottom’ at United.
“It was one of the most emotional moments,” Antony told Brazil’s Football Confederation.
“I mentioned to some friends here in the national team that this call-up was more exciting than the first time I came here [October 2021], and it was even more emotional because of everything I’ve been through.
“Being in good shape, hitting rock bottom, and having the resilience that I had, with the help of God and my family, was very important.”
Antony has not played for the national team since 2023, after scoring just 12 goals in 96 appearances for United during a nightmare spell in the Premier League.
In contrast, Antony scored nine goals in 26 games for Real Betis.
He added: “Even though I had no hope during the difficult time I was going through, at the same time I remembered many things I had experienced.
“I stopped to think and said to myself: ‘I haven’t forgotten how to play soccer, I didn’t play in a World Cup for nothing, I didn’t make it to the national team for nothing.’ Everything happens for a reason, and this process was very necessary for my life because it made me stronger.”
Antony record for Brazil
Antony’s inconsistent form has cost him a lot of caps in a Brazil shirt.
The United winger has made just 16 appearances for his country and will hope to make more under Ancelotti between now and the World Cup.
Furthermore, Antony has scored just two goals in a Brazil shirt.
Games Goals
16 2
Antony stats for Brazil
Ancelotti has no shortage of attacking options in the Brazil squad and Antony will be expected to build on his performances if he wants to be part of the team moving forward. That is why he must get a good move away from Old Trafford this summer.