Manchester United Antony’s loan opened on his time at Old Trafford and says playing football against drug dealer as a child means he doesn’t feel pressure.
In 2022, the Brazilian signed for United from the Dutch side of Ajax with a fee that could eventually rise to £ 86.3 million.
However, a skilled wing player failed to fill in a huge price, managing only 12 goals in his 96 appearances for the red devils while fought for his mark in England.
He joined Real Betis in January, where he will spend the rest of the season on loan.
But his form in Spain showed his promise. He scored four goals and scored four assists in his first 11 Betis performances, and it is believed that the Laliga Club could ask him to sign him on a permanent basis.
Despite enduring the difficult time in the Premier League, Antony said he felt grateful for his experience.
“If they pay you that kind of money, it’s because you have talent and quality,” said the 25-year-old.
“Wherever I go, I will always talk high about United. I am very grateful to the club and Erika Ten Hag for what we have experienced together, for the titles and for everything I learned. I had difficult times there, but also very good.
“I think it has prepared me today to be here, enjoying. My mind is here, and I’m very happy.”
The man rejuvenated Real Betis!
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Watch Dazn’s new show, “Through the Ball” where we talk to Antoni and more!
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Talking about his move to Spain, Antony admitted that this came at an important time in his life.
He said, “I found myself, I had to meet and be happy. I needed my family to be happy too. Every day it passes, I see that it was the best decision I could make.
“I enjoy the city, the club and everything. It reminds me a lot of Brazil because of the sun, food, people are also very happy. All this is important for someone like me who is used to it.”
The Brazilian also narrated the moments of childhood growing up in a favela called “Inferinho”, which means “little hell”.
There he cites his experiences as a key reason why he says he does not feel the pressure that comes with a football player at the highest level.
“When they ask me about pressure, I say” what pressure? “He said.
“I faced pressing in the favela when I didn’t have playing shoes, I played against drug trader and everything. That was the right pressure.
“When I went to school in the morning, I often didn’t eat.
“So, when I go through difficult moments, I always think about the challenges I have overcome in the past.”
Real Betis host Sevilla on Sunday in El Gran derby, which is translated as a big derby. Betis is currently sixth in Laliga, while Sevilla is the tenth.
