Antony might have always had his sights set on a return to Real Betis, but his fellow countryman Matheus Cunha tried to convince him to stay at Manchester United this summer.
While the Red Devils welcomed a plethora of new signings during the summer transfer window, including Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Šeško, Antony was training separately from the team, living in a hotel for 40 days as he waited for Manchester United to strike a deal with Real Betis for his permanent transfer.
During the extended waiting period, Antony recalls a conversation with Cunha, who joined the 20-time English champions for a £62.5 million ($84.1 million) fee in June.
“Matheus Cunha wanted me to play there with him, but the situation was already very difficult,” Antony said in an interview with . “I have a lot of affection for him.”
The 25-year-old went on to name Cunha as one of the friends that kept up his spirits during the trying time, which Antony stresses is now “in the past.”
