Manchester United We've seen Antony explain his move to Real Betis more than once - and he's not really changing the script.
The Brazilian is still performing strongly in Spain, with 13 goals and nine assists in 41 appearances this season. That output has helped him restore confidence after a difficult spell at Old Trafford, where things never went consistently well.
Recently he revealed about going to Real Betis "One of the best decisions of his life". Now, in another interview globo esporteAntony has gone back to the same topics again. This time, he added a little more detail about what went wrong during his Manchester United tenure.
Antony again points to off-pitch issues
Antony emphasizes his struggles in England weren't about football ability.
"The off-pitch part affects a lot. I had some problems outside football that affected me. It was a complicated moment, but it brought learning and maturity." He said.
"It was in those difficult moments that I stopped, reflected and began to value the simple things. It was a difficult period behind the scenes, which very few people know about, but it made me realize that I needed to find myself and be good for things to flow."
He made it clear that he has no regrets about joining Manchester United.
"I don't forget playing football. I don't regret going to Manchester. I'm grateful to the club. I learned a lot there." Antony added.
Betis is still the turning point
Antony once again described His move to Real Betis As an important moment.
"It was very important for me. This is where I found myself. This is where I found myself and could become very happy in a short period of time." he explained.
“Even before I arrived on loan, I was already mentally preparing, because I knew I had a short time and I could make a difference.”
He also spoke about how quickly things changed after leaving Manchester United.
"I was called again [by the national team] Immediately after arriving at Betis, which was very important for me. It was emotional because of the change. I was playing very little in England, not feeling good or happy and then I came here and helped the team, became one of the great players.
"Today I feel much more prepared, more mature. I'm living my best moments on and off the field with my family."
Cristiano Ronaldo story adds fresh details
Antony at least offered something new as he shared more details about his time with Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United.
"Cristiano is a great person. You learn a lot from him." He said. "He once joked to me that people think he's arrogant, but in daily life he's very playful."
"We used to sit at the table and he would talk about life, books and many other topics besides football. It was good because it helped us to differentiate. He would say: 'Today we will not talk about football.'
There were light moments behind the scenes too.
"Once in the sauna he joked with me, showed me his body and asked if he looked 23 years old. I was embarrassed too, because you see the level of care he takes even at the age of almost 40. He is a reference for everyone."
The magic of Man United still sets the tone
Antony keeps telling the same story, just with slightly different details each time. He clearly does not view Manchester United with despair, but it does not seem so either someone who remembers it. Meanwhile, United have also moved on.
Nevertheless, his form at Betis underlines that he is a player there. A reminder that context and environment can shape outcomes just as much as ability.
