Former Manchester United 'bomb squad' member Antony has claimed one of Europe's top clubs wanted him in the summer, but he was keen to return to Real Betis
Antony has revealed that he was courted by numerous clubs, including Bayern Munich, before his departure from Manchester United. The 25-year-old was part of the so-called 'bomb squad' at United, a group of players deemed surplus to requirements and put up for sale last summer.
The others were Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho and Tyrell Malacia. Antony eventually signed with Spanish side Real Betis, where he had enjoyed a successful loan spell in the second half of last season. However, Antony's decision wasn't straightforward.
He claims he received interest from Bayern, Benfica, Fenerbahçe, RB Salzburg, and Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr, as he considered his options away from Old Trafford. Antony's time at United was a letdown following his £85million transfer from Ajax in 2022, with the club taking a loss of more than £60m when he made his permanent move to Betis.
Despite that, if Antony's claims are accurate, they highlight the untapped potential that many clubs still believe he possesses. Speaking to Brazilian media, he said: "Bayern also approached me, but I had practically everything agreed with Betis.
"I was torn, but I was already 95 per cent committed to Betis. The financial aspect is important, but my happiness... I know how happy my son, my daughter and my wife are in Seville."
In addition, Antony has alleged that he was shown a lack of respect by certain individuals at United. In a recent interview with ESPN Brasil, he said: "I'm not the kind of guy who gets involved in controversies, who names people. In fact, I won't mention anyone's name here.
"But I think there was a bit of a lack of respect there, even a bit of rudeness too, with no one giving you a 'good morning', a 'good afternoon'. Not even that.
"But, anyway, that's in the past, I won't give much importance to these things. Now I'm here, at Betis, I'm living here, that's the most important thing for me."
Nevertheless, he acknowledged his role in the expensive transfer to United failing to deliver results. He said: "I am a man who accepts my responsibilities. I think off-field matters affected me a lot, in my performance.
"I know my potential, I know my qualities, I didn't play in a World Cup for nothing, I didn't return to the national team for nothing. I also take responsibility for it not working out, for not performing as I wanted. But I always try to see the bright side of things; going through this entire process, this time at United, was necessary to see myself."
Antony looks revitalised at Betis and shone in their recent 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest in the Europa League. Betis headed into the international break occupying fourth spot in the La Liga table.