Antony has taken the soccer world by surprise, rediscovering his form during a standout five-month loan spell with Real Betis. Now, with his return to Manchester United imminent, the Brazilian forward has shared an emotional farewell message with Betis fans, reflecting on a transformative chapter in his career.
After struggling to find consistency in England, Antony opted to take a bold step and push for a temporary move. Real Betis offered him a lifeline with a six-month loan, and in return, he became one of the club’s brightest stars during a historic run to the 2024–25 UEFA Conference League final.
In a heartfelt video posted to social media, Antony opened up about how his time at the Spanish club helped reignite his love for the game. “Today, one of the most beautiful chapters of my life comes to an end. And before the final page turns, I need to tell you why you have been—and always will be—so special to me,” he started on Instagram.
“Life took me far—from the favela to the world. I played in Brazil, the Netherlands, England… I stopped being a kid and became a father. A lot changed. But football was always there—it was always my safe haven. Until one day, everything fell apart. From heaven to hell. The goals stopped coming, the joy faded, the world turned dark, and I started to doubt myself—my talent, and my love for the game,” Antony continued.
“And that’s when football gave me something more: you. When I arrived, I didn’t know what to expect, but not even in my wildest dreams did I imagine I’d find what I found. From the very first step I took at this club, I felt something different. It was like coming home—like reconnecting with a part of myself I thought I’d lost. With you, I smiled again. I became that same kid who loved football with all his heart. With you, football became true love again.
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“Thank you for welcoming me as one of your own. Thank you for bringing back the joy of playing. Thank you for reminding me why I fell in love with this game in the first place. My home, my people. Always Betis,” he concluded.
What’s next for Antony?
Manchester United paid nearly $100 million to sign Antony from Ajax, but the winger struggled to meet expectations in the Premier League. Despite flourishing at Betis, the Spanish club lacks the financial strength to afford either the transfer fee United hope to recoup or Antony’s current wages—issues that nearly derailed the loan deal from the start.
A return to Old Trafford seems unlikely, and a reunion with a former manager could be on the cards. According to German outlet Kicker, Antony is being considered as a potential replacement for Florian Wirtz at Bayer Leverkusen, with Wirtz reportedly finalizing a move to Liverpool. Erik ten Hag—who previously coached Antony at both Ajax and Manchester United—has been appointed as the new head coach at the Bundesliga club, making the move more likely.
