From Old Trafford Outcast to Sevilla Success Story
Former Manchester United winger Antony has opened up about his dramatic summer transfer decision, revealing he turned down an approach from Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany to secure a permanent move to Real Betis.
The Brazilian international, who endured a disappointing three-year spell at Old Trafford after his £82 million transfer in 2022, was informed he had no future under new United boss Ruben Amorim as last season concluded.
Bayern's Deadline Day Approach That 'Shook' Antony
Antony described receiving a personal phone call from the Bayern Munich head coach that nearly derailed his plans to join Betis permanently. "Dude, I'm going to be completely honest with you right now, it really shook me up," Antony told Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte.
"We're talking about a global giant, Bayern Munich, where there is a coach with that kind of history. Vincent Kompany called me and we had a conversation. He was super polite to me, said he always really liked my football, and this was at 11pm on deadline day."
The 25-year-old admitted the approach from the Bundesliga champions seriously tempted him, but ultimately family considerations prevailed in his decision-making process.
Family First: Why Sevilla Won Over Munich
Despite Bayern's prestige and Kompany's personal appeal, Antony revealed his son Lorenzo's attachment to Sevilla proved decisive. "What weighed heavily on my decision was that I'm a family man," he explained. "It's about looking out for my children. Lorenzo loves this place, loves this city. When we were on vacation in Brazil, without knowing anything, he always asked: 'Dad, when are we going back to Spain?'"
United eventually agreed a £22 million transfer fee with Real Betis in June, following interest from several top clubs including Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund, Benfica, Fenerbahce, RB Salzburg, and Newcastle.
Rediscovering Happiness After Manchester United Struggles
Antony has flourished since his move to La Liga, registering four goals and one assist in eight league appearances this season. The Brazilian described his transformation from a player who struggled to smile during his difficult final months at United to someone rediscovering his love for football.
"I'm finding myself again, finding myself happy," Antony shared. "Seeing my family smiling and being able to smile again is amazing because I went through some difficult times where even a smile cost me a lot. When I say I've found myself, it's because of the way they have treated me here at Betis."
The winger also credited teammate Isco with playing a significant role in convincing him to join the Spanish club, revealing the Spaniard persistently messaged him while he was still in England.
Moving On Without Bitterness
Despite feeling "disrespected" by Manchester United's treatment during his final days - including being forced to live in a hotel and train separately from the main squad - Antony insists he holds no grudges against his former club.
"I don't hold any grudges, I'm not angry at anyone there," he stated. "This serves as a great learning experience for me. I'm also very grateful to Manchester United because I didn't only experience bad moments, but I also had some good moments there with people I met who were also great."
With his family settled and his career revitalised in Spain, Antony appears to have finally found the environment where his substantial talent can flourish, even after turning down one of Europe's football giants.
