A Fresh Start in Andalusia
Since joining Real Betis in the winter transfer window, Antony, the 24-year-old winger, has made an immediate and significant impact. In just his first four appearances for Los Verdiblancos, he has scored three goals and provided one assist, quickly establishing himself as a fan favorite. The Brazilian’s journey from Manchester United to Betis has been nothing short of exhilarating, and his recent interview with the club’s official media channels offers a deeper insight into his adaptation and newfound happiness.
Embracing the Betis Family
In his conversation with the club’s media, Antony spoke glowingly about his teammates and head coach, Manuel Pellegrini. He highlighted the importance of playing alongside experienced and talented players like Isco and Lo Celso, emphasizing how they have helped him settle in quickly. “I’m happy here, and with teammates like Isco, it’s easy to understand. If you understand football, it’s very easy to understand Isco,” he said. The mutual respect and understanding within the team have undoubtedly contributed to his impressive start. Additionally, the confidence and trust shown by Pellegrini have been crucial in boosting his morale and performance on the pitch.
Finding Joy and Renewal
For Antony, the move to Betis has felt like a fresh start in his career. He divulged, “For me it was very important to start well. What makes me happier is that I’m finding myself again, to be happy, to be enjoying every day. Things go well when we are well, happy, content.” This sentiment reflects a broader shift in his mental and physical state. The renewed sense of purpose and joy is evident in his performances, and it’s clear that the change of environment has been beneficial. Antony acknowledged the hard work he put in, both mentally and physically, to reach this moment. “I have worked my head and also physically to get to this moment. I’m very happy about that. When I was in England, I continued to work my head and physically I was also fine. I was preparing for this moment.”
The Andalusian Embrace
One of the most notable aspects of Antony’s transition to Betis is his immediate comfort in Andalusia. He described the city as a place that reminded him a lot of Brazil, highlighting the warm and sunny climate as a significant factor. “It reminds me a lot of Brazil. I love the city. I needed the sun, I needed this environment. My family is also very happy.” The positive impact of the environment on his well-being cannot be overstated. Moreover, he mentioned that he had many friends who played for Betis, and their positive feedback played a crucial role in his decision to sign. “I have many friends who played here and they left me very calm to sign. I had the certainty in my heart that coming here was the best decision for me. I hope to continue like this.”
The Influence of Former Betis Players
Antony also spoke about the influence of former Betis players like Ricardo Oliveira and Denilson, who have reached out to him with encouraging messages. These connections have further strengthened his bond with the club and its fans. “The players who passed through here, such as Ricardo Oliveira and Denilson, who sent me messages and told me how good the fans were. I also write with Emerson, I have a good relationship with him.” This network of support and the positive experiences of past players have undoubtedly contributed to his positive perception of the club and its community.
A Temporary Home with Permanent Impact
Despite the temporary nature of his loan, Antony’s impact on Betis has been profound. He will return to Manchester United at the end of the season, as Betis do not have an option to buy. However, the possibility of extending his stay is not out of the question. The club and its fans would undoubtedly welcome any efforts to retain a player who has brought so much joy and success in such a short time. For now, Antony remains focused on the present, savoring every moment of his Betis journey and hoping to continue this upward trajectory.
