Antony sends emotional message to Real Betis as Man Utd return looms

Antony hailed his Real Betis loan spell as 'one of the most beautiful chapters of my life' as he prepares for his return to Manchester United.

Antony endured a torrid first half of the season in the Premier League, compounding what had been a frustrating two seasons at Old Trafford following his £85million from Ajax in 2022.

The Brazilian featured just eight times in the league before being shipped out on loan to Betis in January, but enjoyed a much-needed revival during his loan spell in Spain.

Antony registered nine goals and five assists for Manuel Pellegrini's side, helping to guide them to the Conference League final against Chelsea.

And while Antony and Betis endured a painful last dance, losing 4-1 to Chelsea in Poland, the winger was grateful for his time at the club as he penned an emotional open letter following the end of his loan.

'Today is the day to give thanks for one of the most beautiful chapters of my life,' he said in a video released on Instagram.

'As I write this page of my story, I need to tell you why you have been -and always will be -so special to me. Since I was a child, football wasn't just a dream, it was my only chance to change my life.

'Life took me far, from the favela to the world. I left Brazil, played in the Netherlands, played in England, and went from being a boy to becoming a father.

'A lot has changed, but footballhas always been there, always my safe harbour. Until one day, everything collapsed. From heaven to hell. The ball stopped going in, the joy faded, my world darkened, and I began to doubt myself, my talent, and my passion for the game.'

Antony continued: 'That's when football gave me one last gift: Real Betis. When I arrived here, I didn't know what to expect, but not even in my wildest dreams did I imagine finding what I found.

'From my first step into this club, I felt something different. It was like coming home, like finding a part of myself I thought I had lost.

'With you, I smiled again; with you, I found the kid I once was-the one who loved football with all his heart. With you, football became love again. Thank you Real Betis.'

Antony's future uncertain

Betis had previously hinted at their desire to make Antony's loan spell permanent, but the Brazilian was coy when asked about his future following Wednesday's Conference League defeat.

'I don't what will happen in the future, only God knows,' he told CBS Sports.

'My work is playing and I'm doing that well. I have a lot of affection for Betis, for everyone but I have a contract with Man United and I don't know what's going to happen, only they know what's happening.
'Now I will go to the national team and then on holiday then we will see what happens in the future.'

While Antony is unlikely to have a future back at Old Trafford, reports suggest the Brazilian has already attracted interest from Bayer Leverkusen, now managed by former United boss Erik ten Hag.

German outlet Kicker claim Ten Hag is also keen to explore a move for Alejandro Garnacho, with the Argentine also set to leave United this summer after a falling out with Ruben Amorim.