Brazilian winger Antony has finally broken his silence about the turbulent period that defined his three-year stint at Man United, delivering an emotionally charged confession that has sent shockwaves through the football world. In a heartfelt interview following his permanent €25 million (₹208 crore ) transfer to Real Betis, the 25-year-old opened up about the darkest chapters of his Old Trafford career, admitting “What happened in Manchester, only I know how difficult it was. I’m sorry.”
The Brazilian’s candid revelation comes after months of training separately from the first team squad, a period he describes as one of the most challenging of his professional career. Antony‘s emotional disclosure provides unprecedented insight into the mental toll of being part of Man United‘s infamous “bomb squad” and the personal struggles that ultimately led to his departure from Old Trafford.
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Antony’s Emotional Breakdown: The Truth Behind Manchester United’s Difficult Period
Antony‘s journey at Man United reached its lowest point when he found himself relegated to training separately from the main squad alongside Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, and Tyrell Malacia. This isolation, which the Brazilian describes as a form of professional purgatory, tested his resolve and mental strength to breaking point.
“Training separately, but that’s part of life. I knew this moment would come. It’s in the past,” Antony reflected, his voice heavy with emotion during recent interviews. The winger’s admission reveals the psychological impact of being ostracized from Man United‘s first-team setup under Ruben Amorim’s management.
The Personal Cost of Professional Isolation
The impact of Antony‘s situation at Man United extended far beyond the training ground, affecting his personal life and family relationships in ways that fans could never have imagined.
| Personal Impact | Antony’s Experience |
|---|---|
| Mental Health | “I no longer felt that desire to play football” |
| Family Life | “I didn’t even have the energy to play with my son” |
| Daily Routine | “There were days I wouldn’t eat, just lying in my room” |
| Emotional State | “It was a really dark time” |
| Recovery | “With God’s help, I managed to turn things around” |
These revelations paint a stark picture of a player who lost his love for the game that had defined his entire life. Antony‘s honesty about his mental health struggles during his time at Man United highlights the often-overlooked human cost of professional football’s ruthless nature.
The £70 Million Manchester United Investment That Never Flourished
Antony‘s transfer from Ajax to Man United in August 2022 for approximately £86 million (₹728 crore) represented one of the most expensive signings in the club’s history. The Brazilian arrived with sky-high expectations, reuniting with former Ajax coach Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford.
However, his Man United career statistics tell the story of a player who never quite found his rhythm in English football:
Antony’s Manchester United Career Statistics
| Season | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-23 | 44 | 8 | 3 | Promising debut season |
| 2023-24 | 38 | 3 | 2 | Inconsistent performances |
| 2024-25 | 14 | 1 | 0 | Limited opportunities |
| Total | 96 | 12 | 5 | Two trophy wins (FA Cup, EFL Cup) |
Despite his struggles with consistency, Antony did contribute to Man United‘s trophy successes, playing crucial roles in the FA Cup victory over Manchester City and the EFL Cup triumph against Newcastle United.
The Training Ground Exile: Inside Manchester United’s “Bomb Squad”
The concept of training separately became a defining feature of Antony‘s final months at Man United. Under Ruben Amorim’s management, several high-profile players found themselves ostracized from the main training group, creating an unofficial “bomb squad” of unwanted talents.
Antony was part of this group alongside:
- Marcus Rashford (seeking ₹333 crore move)
- Alejandro Garnacho (valued at ₹417 crore)
- Jadon Sancho (loan moves to various clubs)
- Tyrell Malacia (injury and fitness issues)
This separation from the main squad represented more than just tactical decisions; it became a psychological barrier that Antony admits affected his mental well-being and professional confidence.
Real Betis Renaissance: Finding Happiness Away from Manchester
Antony‘s transformation at Real Betis during his loan spell in the second half of the 2024-25 season provided a stark contrast to his Man United struggles. The Spanish club offered him something that Old Trafford couldn’t: genuine happiness and professional fulfillment.
Antony’s Real Betis Performance Revival
The Brazilian’s statistics at Real Betis tell a remarkable story of redemption and professional resurrection:
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Liga | 18 | 5 | 3 | Consistent performances |
| Conference League | 8 | 4 | 2 | Reached final |
| Total | 26 | 9 | 5 | Career renaissance |
“What a difference! Seville is more beautiful than Manchester. I’m finally here,” Antony declared with visible relief. His comparison between the two cities reflects not just geographical preferences but a fundamental shift in his mental and emotional state.
The Climate Factor: How Weather Affected Antony’s Performance
One of the most surprising revelations from Antony‘s interviews was his admission about how Manchester’s climate affected his performance and mental state. The Brazilian revealed an unexpected reason behind his Man United struggles.
“The city (Seville) has influenced me a lot; it’s better than Manchester. I’m very happy here because of that. The sun here helps a lot. Every day at noon, I’m awake, listening to myself, I go to sleep smiling, and that’s the most important thing for me,” Antony explained.
This weather-related factor, while seemingly trivial, highlights how environmental conditions can significantly impact a player’s psychological well-being and, consequently, their on-field performance.
Manchester United’s Financial Implications: The €86 Million Lesson
Antony‘s departure from Man United represents one of the most significant financial losses in the club’s recent transfer history. The permanent transfer to Real Betis for ₹208 crore (€25 million) means Man United absorbed a loss of approximately ₹520 crore (€61 million) on their original investment.
Transfer Financial Breakdown
| Financial Aspect | Amount | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Original Transfer Fee | ₹728 crore (£86m) | Second-most expensive signing |
| Sale Price to Betis | ₹208 crore (€25m) | Significant loss |
| Net Loss | ₹520 crore (€61m) | Financial impact |
| Sell-on Clause | 50% | Future earnings potential |
This financial hit underscores the challenges Man United faces in the transfer market and the importance of proper scouting and player integration systems.
The Apology: Antony’s Message to Manchester United Fans
Perhaps the most poignant moment in Antony‘s recent interviews was his direct apology to Man United supporters. “I’m sorry,” he said, his voice breaking with emotion. This simple yet powerful statement acknowledges the disappointment his performances caused among the Old Trafford faithful.
The Brazilian’s apology reflects a mature understanding of the expectations that come with wearing the Man United shirt and the responsibility players have toward the club’s passionate fanbase. His honesty in admitting failure demonstrates character growth that his critics had questioned during his difficult periods at Old Trafford.
Looking Forward: Antony’s World Cup 2026 Ambitions
Now settled at Real Betis, Antony has set his sights on earning a recall to the Brazilian national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup. His improved performances in La Liga have caught the attention of Brazil’s coaching staff, offering hope for international redemption.
“There is a World Cup in 2026, the player wants to play to go to the World Cup,” Real Betis CEO Ramon Alarcon confirmed, highlighting Antony‘s ambitions beyond club football.
The winger’s international record stands at just two goals in 16 appearances for Brazil, with his last call-up coming in 2023. His Real Betis renaissance provides the platform for national team redemption.
Read More: Nicolo Zaniolo Joins Udinese on Loan Deal from Galatasaray
FAQs
Why did Antony apologize to Manchester United fans?
Antony apologized because he felt he didn’t live up to expectations during his three years at Man United, acknowledging the disappointment his performances caused among supporters after his £86 million transfer from Ajax.
What was Antony’s experience training separately at Manchester United?
Antony described training separately as an extremely difficult period, saying “only I know how difficult it was,” admitting it affected his mental health to the point where he lost his desire to play football.
How much did Real Betis pay for Antony’s permanent transfer?
Real Betis paid €25 million (approximately ₹208 crore) for Antony’s permanent transfer, representing a significant loss for Manchester United who originally paid £86 million for him in 2022.
How did the weather in Manchester affect Antony’s performance?
Antony revealed that Manchester’s climate negatively impacted his mental state, contrasting it with Seville where “the sun helps a lot” and makes him feel happier and more motivated to perform.
What are Antony’s goals after leaving Manchester United?
Antony aims to maintain his improved form at Real Betis to earn a recall to the Brazilian national team and secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup squad, having last played for Brazil in 2023.
