Former Manchester United winger Antony claims his move to Real Betis changed his career and his mindset.
Antony completed a transfer to Real Betis in the summer, after initially joining the La Liga club on loan for the second half of last season.
After being brought to the club by Erik ten Hag and ultimately failing to meet the required standards, Ruben Amorim’s arrival in November inevitably led to Antony’s exit.
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The deal represented a massive financial loss for United but a significant career revival for the Brazil international. That said, it includes a potential 50% sell-on clause on any future profit.
Antony has made 11 appearances for Betis so far this season, scoring six goals and registering two assists. This shows that he is building on his performances from the previous campaign.
Antony playing against Valencia CF
Photo by David Aliaga/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Man Utd exit changed Antony’s mindset
It is no secret that Antony flopped at Old Trafford.
United spent a whopping £85 million to sign Antony from Ajax in 2022, before he made 96 appearances for the club, scoring 12 goals and contributing five assists.
Antony has now given another interview in Brazil to complain about his stint at United.
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The 25-year-old explains how his move to Real Betis helped change his career and his mindset after a gruelling spell in England.
However, Antony admitted that he initially thought a move to Betis was a step backwards.
“At first I saw it as a step back,” Antony told Globo Esporte.
“I needed to go back to playing, to get myself right. But when I set foot in Spain, I no longer saw it as a step back. I saw it as an opportunity to be well again, to be happy, to be back at the top.”
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Antony added that the final few months at United were the most complicated of his career, after being asked to train away from the first team.
He continued: “It was very difficult. I didn’t do pre-season and had to present myself to another club. The team trained in the morning, and I trained at five in the afternoon so I didn’t have access. Yes, I felt a bit disrespected.”
Antony found ‘joy’ at Real Betis
One of the biggest differences Antony will experience at Real Betis is having less pressure on his shoulders.
Many players struggle to deal with the scrutiny that comes with playing for United, so the winger is not alone.
Antony now thanks Betis for helping boost his confidence as a footballer because is has found ‘joy’ at his new club.
“I found myself,” Antony said. I found joy again. Here they treated me with affection from the first day. Being happy in the small details changed everything.”