Manchester United loanee Antony has opened up about his time at Old Trafford and says playing football against drug dealers as a child means he does not feel pressure.
The Brazilian signed for United from Dutch side Ajax in 2022 for a fee that could eventually rise to £86.3million.
However, the skilful winger failed to live up to the hefty price tag, managing just 12 goals in his 96 appearances for the Red Devils as he struggled to make his mark in England.
He joined Real Betis in January where he will spend the rest of the season on loan.
But his form in Spain has shown promise. He has scored four goals and provided four assists in his first 11 Betis appearances, and it is believed the LaLiga club could look to sign him on a permanent basis.
Despite enduring a tough time in the Premier League, Antony told DAZN that he feels grateful for the experience.
“If they pay that kind of money for you, it’s because you have talent and quality,” the 25-year-old said.
“Wherever I go, I’ll always speak highly of United. I’m very grateful to the club and to Erik ten Hag for what we experienced together, for the titles, and for everything I’ve learned. I had difficult times there, but also very good ones.
“I think it prepared me to be here today, enjoying myself. My mind is here, and I’m very happy.”
A man rejuvenated at Real Betis! 🟢⚪️
Does football owe Antony an apology? 👇
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Speaking about his move to Spain, Antony admitted that it came at an important time in his life.
He said: “I found myself, I needed to find myself and be happy. I needed my family to be happy too. Every day that goes by I see that it was the best decision I could have made.
“I’m enjoying the city, the club and everything. It reminds me a lot of Brazil because of the sun, the food, the people are also very happy. All of that is important for someone like me who is used to it.”
The Brazilian also recounted moments from his childhood growing up in a favela called ‘Inferninho’, which translates as ‘Little Hell’.
He cites his experiences there as a key reason why he says he does not feel the pressure that comes with being a footballer at the highest level.
“When I’m asked about pressure, I say ‘what pressure?’” he said.
“I faced pressure in the favela when I didn’t have shoes to play, I played against drug traffickers and everything. That was real pressure.
“When I left in the morning to go to school I often didn’t eat.
“So when I go through difficult moments I always think about the challenges that I overcame in the past.”
Real Betis host Sevilla on Sunday in El Gran Derbi, which translates as The Great Derby. Betis are currently sixth in LaLiga, while Sevilla are tenth.
