Emotional Antony opens up on difficult Man Utd experience

Antony broke down in tears during his presentation at Real Betis as he described the difficulties of his final days at Manchester United.

The Brazilian's Old Trafford exit was agreed shortly before the transfer window closed on Monday, with the winger joining Betis in a deal worth €22m that could potentially rise to €25m with add-ons.

After spending the second half of last season on loan at Betis, Antony found himself surplus to requirements as far as Ruben Amorim's plans for the 2025-26 campaign were concerned. 

He had been left out of United's touring party of the United States during pre-season and had trained separately from the first team as part of the so-called "bomb squad" at Carrington.

"Only my family knows how hard it was to be there," Antony said as he was presented at the LaLiga club.

"Training separately. But I knew this incredible moment was coming. Of course, I was afraid it wouldn't happen in the end, but I waited because I had so much faith."

Antony became a fan favourite on loan at Betis, scoring nine times in 26 games and helping the club to reach the Conference League final.

"[Making the transfer happen] was very hard, but we're here now. I can't wait to wear the Betis shirt again. I can only thank everyone who made it possible," Antony said.

"Now with more time, there are so many things to do and achieve. I had trouble sleeping after seeing so much love from the Betis fans; there were people waiting at my house at 2 in the morning."

After joining United from Ajax for £81.3m in 2022, Antony failed to live up to his price tag, scoring only 12 goals in 96 appearances for the club.

"Being cared about is very important to me; it is something money can't buy," Antony said.

"Here, I have had good feelings and felt lots of affection. It was always my first choice, and that's why I waited until the last day to return to Betis.

"Now I'm here and happy in a city and at a club that I love."