Antony has defended the huge fee Manchester United paid to sign him from Ajax, insisting the club did not spend around €95million (£82m) on him “for no reason”.
The Brazilian's price tag followed him throughout a difficult spell at Old Trafford, but his career has taken a significant turn since moving to Real Betis.
Antony has just completed the most productive season of his career, registering 14 goals and ten assists in 46 appearances. He was also named Sofascore's Europa League Player of the Season after contributing six goals and three assists in ten matches.
Antony admits Manchester United criticism affected him
Speaking to Sofascore, Antony acknowledged that United's enormous investment inevitably increased expectations.
“Of course the responsibility increases when they pay that kind of money for you,” Antony said. “But I’ve always been a player who doesn’t like to focus on those numbers. I know they didn’t pay that much for no reason.”
The winger also admitted criticism during his United career affected him more than he sometimes showed publicly.
“A lot of people think it didn’t affect me, but of course it did, a lot,” he explained.
Despite how his time in Manchester ended, Antony refuses to describe the move as something he regrets.
“I made a lot of friends, achieved a lot of things and won trophies – that’s important.”
Difficult United ending strengthened Betis decision
Antony's connection with Betis developed during his initial loan spell and remained strong after he returned to Manchester.
“My heart wanted to come back,” he said.
The process was not straightforward. Antony revealed he spent more than 30 days training separately at United while living in a hotel as he waited for his future to be resolved.
Other opportunities were available, but the Brazilian says returning to Betis was always his preferred outcome.
“My first option was Betis, to get my form back, to be happy again,” Antony explained. “With every day that passes here, I’m more certain that I made the best choice.”
His performances have certainly strengthened that feeling. Four years after his expensive United transfer became a source of constant scrutiny, Antony can now point towards the best individual season of his career.
Key points
- Antony says Manchester United did not pay £82m for him “for no reason”.
- The Brazilian admits criticism surrounding his transfer fee affected him significantly.
- Antony produced 14 goals and ten assists in 46 appearances for Real Betis last season.
- He spent more than 30 days training separately before leaving United.
- Antony insists he does not regret his Manchester United spell despite its difficult ending.
What’s next?
Antony will now attempt to build on his career-best campaign and maintain the form that has revitalised his career at Betis.
For the Brazilian, his performances in Spain have provided an opportunity to move the conversation away from his Manchester United price tag and towards what he can still produce on the pitch.
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