Antony was presented with ‘better offers’ when leaving Manchester United but chose to prioritise his happiness.
It has turned out to be a good decision as the Brazilian has found his feet at Spanish side Real Betis.
Antony wasted little time in endearing himself to Betis’ supporters and his teammatesGettyAntony had desperately struggled for consistency since his high-profile £81million move from Ajax to Old Trafford in the summer of 2022, with several ready to label him a flop.
But a loan switch to Betis until the end of the 2024/25 campaign has rekindled the fire within the 25-year-old.
He has registered seven goals and four assists in 20 appearances across all competitions for the Seville-based outfit, with his latest strike being a scintillating left-footed effort that secured Betis a vital 2-1 win over Espanyol in LaLiga.
Had Antony entered the January window wanting a different type of environment, his resurgence may never have transpired as he opened up to Mundo Deportivo on why he chose Betis.
“I always say that the best decision I’ve ever made was coming to Betis,” Antony said.
“I’m happy, and when I’m happy, things go well.
“For me, of course, it’s important to score goals and provide assists, but being happy is even more important.
“I found myself here, I’m very happy here, and things are going very well.
“The future? It’s very early; I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I’m very happy here. I’ve found myself enjoying football.
“It’s crazy right now, although I know how talented I am, so I prioritised going where I knew I’d be happy, even though I had better offers.”
The Brazilian has almost-always worn a smile on his face since he joined BetisGettyAntony will return to Manchester when his loan spell ends, but given he struggled to force his way into Ruben Amorim’s line-up, he looms as one star who looks likely to be sold in the summer to raise funds.
United have slapped a £40m price tag on the Brazilian, a figure which Betis may not be able to afford.
However, qualification for next season’s Champions League could alter Betis’ financial picture and allow them to pursue a permanent move for Antony rather than another loan deal.
Betis boss Manuel Pellegrini admitted as much in April as he hailed Antony’s outstanding impact since he joined.
“We’ve all seen what Antony has done here with the team, and I hope he can stay, although we know it won’t be easy,” Pellegrini said.
“He’s fitted in very well with the team’s collective play and has had important individual performances.
GettyAntony has remained coy on what will happen in the summer transfer window[/caption]“I think the important thing now for Antony and everyone else is to focus on winning the next three points and trying to achieve a bigger goal, which of course would perhaps change the club’s financial situation, playing in the Champions League or reaching higher levels in European competitions.”
Betis sit sixth on 57 points with four games remaining, one place and point behind Villarreal who occupy the last Champions League spot in LaLiga.
Pellegrini’s side will look to keep pace with their Champions League-chasing rivals when they host ninth-placed Osasuna on Sunday.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( ‘Best decision I ever made’ – Antony rejected better options to leave Manchester United for Real Betis )
Also on site :