Antony: Messi is my idol; I turned down Bayern because my children adore Spain

Recently, Antony sat down for an interview with Brazil's Globo Esporte, reflecting on his journey from Manchester United's slump and off-field controversies to his return to the national team. 

Antony, who hails from the Osasco slum, has now reached the pinnacle of his career. He has made it onto Carlo Ancelotti's first squad, is a hero at Betis, and has rekindled his hopes of participating in another World Cup. This season, he has already contributed 6 goals and 2 assists, regaining his form at Betis.

Return to the national team

Antony's turnaround was no simple feat. Having emerged from a stifled spell at Manchester United where limited opportunities under Rúben Amorim prevailed, he briefly led Real Betis into the upper half of La Liga during his loan spell while also reaching the UEFA Europa Conference League final with an eye-catching display. It was precisely this form that ultimately secured his permanent transfer to Betis. Bayern Munich attempted a last-minute intervention, but his commitment to Betis proved decisive. In May, three days before the Europa Conference League final, Antony experienced the most thrilling moment of his career. Upon hearing his name called by Ancelotti in his hotel room in Wrocław, Poland, he was overcome with emotion for a long while.

Antony stated: "Blimey, for me, that was more exciting than my first call-up to the national team. I think it's because of everything I've been through. I couldn't stop crying. I had to wait in my room for a while before going down for dinner because I'd just arrived in Poland and we were about to play the final."

"I caught the squad announcement just as Ancelotti started reading out the names. I was incredibly nervous, and when I heard my name, the emotions just hit me. It wasn't just me – my family felt it too. I immediately called my wife, brother and parents. Everyone was thrilled because we'd been through so much, and I'd managed to turn things around at Betis in such a short time, earning my way back into the national team."

The "many things" he referred to were the allegations made by his former girlfriend in 2023, accusing him of violence and threats. This incident led to his exclusion from the national team for matches against Bolivia and Peru that September. Last August, he successfully cleared his name, with the case closing without charges being brought against him. Having shed the off-field shadows, Antony's sporting reconstruction proved equally arduous. He initially viewed his loan move to Betis as "a step backwards," but soon realised it was the most correct decision. He rediscovered "the Antony from the slums," resuming his dribbling prowess and scoring spectacular goals.

Antony explained: "Brother, when I said I'd become 'the Antony from the slums' again (in that Instagram post), I meant rediscovering myself, finding joy once more, seeing my family smile and being able to smile myself. That period was incredibly tough – even a simple smile felt impossible. When I speak of rediscovering myself, it's because everyone here at Betis has shown me such care and acceptance, allowing me to find joy in the little things again."

"Back in the neighbourhood, no matter how tough things got, I was always happy. And I'm seeing that feeling in myself again – sometimes the smallest gesture can make me smile. So when I said that, I meant maintaining that sense of happiness no matter what."

Antony of Triana

His outstanding form at Betis has earned him numerous nicknames and comparisons. He is dubbed "the Antony of Triana", a reference to an influential flamenco dancer from the Triana district in the early 20th century. Recently, he's been dubbed "Lionel Antonio" after scoring a goal against Lyon remarkably similar to Messi's first career strike. His personal favourite, however, remains the goal against Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League semi-final.

He remarked: "Thank God, I've scored some lovely goals here. My teammates even joke, 'Hey, could you score one that isn't quite so spectacular?' Of course, the one against Fiorentina was crucial, helping us progress in the semi-finals. For me, the most beautiful was against Espanyol – a world-class strike in stoppage time. But in terms of importance, it has to be the one against Fiorentina, as that represented a significant milestone for us.

"Messi has always been my idol and role model. I'm delighted to have scored that splendid goal; I've followed Messi since I was a child. His journey is truly remarkable, and everyone holds him in the highest regard – myself included. I've always kept a close eye on him and greatly admire his style of play. To score such a goal against Lyon brings me immense joy."

Antony has now contributed 15 goals and 8 assists across 37 matches, becoming a fan favourite while thoroughly enjoying life in Seville. The local climate, warm hospitality, cuisine and language have all greatly aided his adaptation. He quickly integrated into his new surroundings, and his family also adores the place. The opinion of one of his two children, Lorenzo, proved crucial in his eventual rejection of Bayern Munich's invitation.

Antony stated: "Honestly, mate, this whole thing genuinely took me aback. After all, it's Bayern Munich – a world-class powerhouse – and a manager like Kompany calling me. We chatted for a while – he was extremely courteous, saying he'd always admired my style of play. And this was at over 11pm."

"Honestly, it really swayed me. The calibre of the club, the calibre of the manager, and the way he approached me. But the family decision was also crucial – I had to consider my children. Lorenzo absolutely adores it here, loves the city. When we were on holiday in Brazil, he kept asking: 'Dad, when are we going back to Spain?'"