Sophia
In a dramatic twist to his summer transfer, former Manchester United winger Antony has revealed he turned down overtures from several European powerhouses, including Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, to secure his permanent move to Real Betis. The Brazilian star, whose tumultuous exit from Old Trafford captivated the football world, cited his word and deep emotional connection to the Seville club as key factors in his decision.
A Summer of Uncertainty and High Stakes
Antony’s future at Manchester United became increasingly uncertain last season, with head coach Ruben Amorim making it clear the winger was not part of his long-term plans. A loan spell at Real Betis for the second half of the campaign proved to be a revelation. In Seville, Antony rediscovered his form, netting nine goals and providing five assists, helping Betis reach the Conference League final. His performances endeared him to the Betis faithful, who affectionately nicknamed him ‘Antony from Triana,’ a nod to his adopted home.
Despite his success in La Liga, United were determined to offload Antony permanently this summer. While Betis were always considered frontrunners, negotiations were fraught with tension. The La Liga club stood firm on their valuation, even publicly withdrawing their offer at one point, creating a nail-biting period of uncertainty for the player and fans alike.
Turning Down Bayern and Others: A Matter of Principle
During this period of flux, Antony revealed in an interview on El Partidazo that “more than five teams called me.” Among these suitors was none other than German champions Bayern Munich.
“I spoke with Bayern,” Antony disclosed, “I don’t know if it was €7 million [£6.1 million, $8.2 million], but I said I had Betis’ word and that it was 95% finalised and that I would respect my word. I feel comfortable making this decision because I’m very happy here.” This commitment to his word, even in the face of a potentially lucrative offer from a European giant, highlights the depth of his bond with Betis.
An Emotional Reunion and a New Beginning
The 25-year-old Brazilian has been candid about the emotional toll of his departure from United, which included more than a month of isolation as he pushed for the move. His relief and happiness at finally joining Betis permanently were palpable.
“My family is very happy,” Antony shared, “it’s very hard to be away from them, and it’s been very hard being alone in the hotel for more than 40 days. My wife was waiting in Seville, and I told her my first choice was Betis.” He concluded with a poignant reflection on the significance of the transfer: “What happened today will mark my life, it was very emotional, and I’ve never experienced that before.”
Antony’s decision to commit his future to Real Betis through 2030, turning down the allure of bigger clubs and potentially higher wages, underscores a powerful narrative of loyalty and personal happiness over pure financial gain. This emotional transfer saga culminates in a new chapter for the talented winger, firmly rooted in the vibrant football culture of Seville.
