Antony aims thinly-veiled dig at Man Utd: “Best decision I’ve ever made”

Manchester United winger Antony is thriving during his loan spell with Spanish side Real Betis and has regularly spoken out on his improved form with his adoptive employers

Antony has claimed quitting Manchester United was the ‘best decision he’s ever made’ after dropping a fresh transfer hint. The Brazilian winger joined Real Betis on loan in January after a rotten spell at Old Trafford.

And Antony has enjoyed an eye-catching renaissance in Seville. The 25-year-old has seven goals and four assists in 20 outings for Betis in all competitions this season – that coming after just one goal for United this term.

The £85m man has now explained that his call to quit the club is the best decision of his career so far, while he remains open to an extended stay in Spain. He said: “The best decision I’ve ever made was coming to Betis.

“I’m happy — and when I’m happy, things go well. It’s very early. I don’t know what’s going to happen but I’m very happy here.”

While Antony is loving life with Betis, he has also revealed that there was further interest in his services. He added: “Although I know how talented I am, I prioritised going where I knew I’d be happy, even though I had better offers. It’s important to score goals and provide assists but being happy is even more important.”

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Antony has pointed to a number of elements contributing to his improved form while in Spain. After his recent outing, he also praised Betis boss Manuel Pellegrini for his contribution.

“It’s very important because I’ve said in many interviews that I’ve found myself because I’m happy, things are going well,” he said after scoring a stoppage time winner against Espanyol at the weekend.

“The coach joked with me because I scored great goals with my right foot, but he asked me when I’d do it with my left foot. I gave him a hug after scoring because he’s someone I care deeply about and I’m grateful for his trust.”

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United boss Ruben Amorim gave his take on why Antony was thriving in Spain earlier this season. The Portuguese boss claimed that the lesser physicality of La Liga had allowed him to unlock his best form – a suggestion that was emphatically dismissed by the winger’s agent.

Regardless, Antony will be aiming to continue his hot form over the coming week as Betis face a number of key games. They at first take on Fiorentina in the second leg of their Europa Conference League semi-final on Thursday.

They then face a clash with Osasuna at the weekend. Betis currently sit sixth in La Liga and just one point off of the Champions League places with four matches left to play.

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