Manchester United Loanee Antony has opened for his time in Old Trafford and says he is playing football against drug dealers as a child means that he does not feel pressure.
The Brazilian signed United on the Dutch side Ajax in 2022 for an end that could eventually reach £ 86.3 million.
However, the skillful wing failed to respond to the intense price, 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 the rest of the season will pass.
But its form in Spain has shown a promise. He has scored four goals and gave four assists to Betis’ first 11 appearances and is believed that Leigas Club could look to sign him on a permanent basis.
Despite the constant season in the Premier League, Antony told Dazn that he is grateful for the experience.
“If they pay such money for you, it’s because you have talent and quality,” the 25 -year -old said.
“Wherever I go, I’ll always talk about United, I’m very grateful to the club and Erik Ten Hag for what we experienced together for the titles and for everything I have learned. I had difficult times there and very good.
“I think it prepared me to be here today, enjoying myself. My mind is here, and I’m very happy.”
A man was renewed in Real Betis! 🟢⚪*
Football owes Antony an apology? 👇
🖥️ Watch Dazn’s new demonstration, “via the ball” where we talk to Antonius and much more! ➡* https://t.co/penwgx0aqc pic.twitter.com/36ebk0rscq
– Dazn Football (@daznfootball) 22 March 2025
Speaking about his transition to Spain, Antonius admitted that he came to an important moment in his life.
He said: “I found myself, I had to find myself and be happy, I needed my family to be happy as well. Every day that passes, I see that it was the best decision I could make.
“I enjoy the city, the club and everything, it reminds me a lot of Brazil because of the sun, the food, people are also very happy, all of which is important to someone like me who is used to it.”
The Brazilian also spoke from his childhood growing up in a favela called “Inferninho”, which translates as “Little Hell”.
He mentions his experiences there as a basic reason why he says he does not feel the pressure coming with being a footballer at the highest level.
“When he asks me about the pressure, I say ‘What pressure? “, He said.
“I encountered the pressure on Favela when I had no shoes to play, I played against drug traffickers and everything. This was real pressure.
“When I left in the morning to go to school, I often didn’t eat.
“So when I go through difficult times. I always think about the challenges I have overcome in the past.”
Real Betis Host Sevilla on Sunday at El Gran Derbi, which translates as the big derby. Betis is currently sixth in Laliga, while Sevilla is tenth.
