Former Manchester United player Antony has opened up on the transfer saga that surrounded him in the summer and has admitted that it is still affecting him.
Antony completed a deadline transfer to Real Betis following a successful six-month loan spell at the club, where he seemed to have rediscovered his best form following a turbulent spell at Manchester United.
Antony was part of a group of exiles when he returned to United and wasn’t a part of the club’s pre-season tour in the United States.
Despite serious interest from various clubs, including Bayern Munich, Antony was clear that he wanted to continue his career in Seville.
Following a drawn-out saga where Betis even announced at one point that they had withdrawn their offer for Antony, the clubs eventually agreed a deal worth £21.7 million plus a 50% sell-on clause.
In his first game against English opposition since leaving United, Antony registered a goal and an assist in a 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest in Betis’ first Europa League game of the season.
Antony opens up on transfer saga
Following Betis’ game against Nottingham Forest, Antony admitted that the drawn-out transfer saga during the summer is still affecting him on the pitch.
“I’m a little tired because I didn’t do pre-season, I didn’t train in Manchester with the team. It was hard for me. It’s a bit difficult physically, but I feel better every day,” Antony said in a post-match interview.
The winger had already started twice in La Liga this season against Levante and Real Sociedad. His goal against Nottingham Forest, however, is the first goal he has scored since re-signing for Betis permanently.
“I’m happy for the assist and the goal, but sad for the draw. Today I spoke with my brother, and before the game he told me he was going to score. I’m happy to score again at home, with the fans,” The Brazilian winger said.
is Antony proving Amorim wrong?
Following Antony’s return to form last season after joining Real Betis on loan in January, Ruben Amorim suggested that his upturn in form was down to the fact that Spanish football is less physically demanding than English football.
“Antony is so much better now in Spain. It’s [because of] a lot of factors but I guarantee you it’s physicality,” Amorim told TNT Sports in an interview in February.
Antony’s performance against Forest, who are one of the more physical teams in the Premier League, could suggest that he is capable of dealing with the physicality of English football.
So many players, including Antony, have arrived at Manchester United with incredible potential and struggled to live up to their potential. Many feel that the environment at Old Trafford isn’t right and doesn’t provide players, young ones in particular, with the support they need.
Amorim has put a focus on changing the culture at Carrington, and will hope this creates an environment where new signings can settle in easily to boost on-field performances.
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