Antony reveals he rejected Euro giants before making Real Betis return

Earlier this week, Real Betis finally completed the signing of Antony, with the former Manchester United man joining on a permanent basis. Los Verdiblancos had been desperate to orchestrate the return of the 25-year-old following his successful loan spell last season, and they have done so.

It wasn’t easy for Betis, and also for Antony. The Brazil international had to stand strong in the face of pressure from Man United, who were desperate to offload him to a number of clubs that put forward strong financial proposals.

And the man himself has now opened up on these to El Partidazo de Cope (via MD), while revealing that one of the clubs that tried to sign him was Bayern Munich.

“Some (were interested), more than five. When I spoke to Bayern, I told them that I had Betis’ word and that it was 95% closed. I feel very calm with this decision.”

Antony reflects on weeks prior to Betis move

Antony was presented as a Betis player on Tuesday, and during the press conference, he broke down in tears whilst discussing his difficult time earlier in the summer whilst still at Man United. He revealed that he had been living in a hotel for weeks prior to making the move back to Andalusia, as he awaited a club-to-club agreement.

“Being in the hotel in Manchester for more than 40 days was very hard. My wife was in Seville four or five days before the signing.”

Given that Antony has not played a competitive match since Betis’ UEFA Conference League final defeat to Chelsea at the end of last season, he will need time to get back up to speed. The international break comes at a good time for him, and he will hope to be ready for Los Verdiblancos’ trip to Levante in 11 days’ time.