Former United winger Antony has taken a swipe at Manchester after joining Real Betis in a deal worth £22 million.
Brazilian star Antony, 25, had endured a torrid time at Old Trafford.
Bought from Ajax by former Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag, his £81 million transfer fee loomed over him from day one.
Unable to deliver at his new club, he had been searching for the exit for some time.
And having spent much of last season on loan at Real Betis, he has now rejoined the Spanish club permanently.
Antony scored nine times in 26 games for Betis last season, and became a fan favourite.
Currently eighth in La Liga, Real Betis are around 80/1 with football betting sites to lift the title, with most expecting them to finish sixth.
Man Utd have taken a big loss on Antony and Rasmus Hojlund 😬 pic.twitter.com/Iyrvw72N4i
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) September 1, 2025
Antony Says Real Betis Move Is ‘Incredible’
Seven months after arriving in Betis on loan, Antony has now completed a permanent transfer to the La Liga club.
Speaking during his packed presentation to the fans in Triana, he stated he always wished to return to Betis.
“I knew this incredible moment would come,” said the Brazilian.
And the warm words from Antony were reciprocated by Real Betis president, Ángel Haro.
He said: “For Betis fans, naming you after Antonio de Triana was a way of showing their support.
“These have been tough months of negotiations, and I want to thank everyone at the club, your agents, and you.
“The conviction that we would cross paths again has always prevailed.”
Seville Is ‘More Beautiful’ Than Manchester Say Antony
The former United forward went on to compare Manchester And Seville, where Betis are located.
He added: “What a difference! Seville is more beautiful than Manchester.
“I’m finally here. I spent more than 40 days in a hotel; it was very hard, but everyone knew I wanted to return to Betis.
“Now with more time, we have so many things to do and achieve.
“I had trouble sleeping after seeing so much affection from the Betis fans; there were people waiting at my house at 2 a.m.”
It was always the star’s desire to return, with Antony hinting at a permanent Real Betis move as early as February.
Antony Transfer News Sees Star Break Down In Tears
During his presentation, Antony also spoke of the difficulties he faced while at Manchester United.
He was photographed in tears while discussing his time at Old Trafford, and his gratitude at having rejoined Betis.
❤️🩹👋🏾 Antony: “What happened in Manchester, only I know how difficult it was. I'm sorry”.
“Training separately, but that's part of life. I knew this moment would come. It's in the past”. pic.twitter.com/3vJPuwOxIm
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 2, 2025
Antony said: “It’s been very hard, but we’re here now. I’m looking forward to wearing the Betis shirt again. I can only thank everyone who made it possible.”
“Love is very important to me, and not all money can buy it. I have a lot of affection and love here; it was always my first choice, and that’s why I waited until the last day to return to Betis.
“Now I’m here and happy in a city and at a club I love.”
“It’s the first time I’ve experienced this. My wife arrived in Seville four days before me and told me she didn’t know if I was coming back, but that she was staying.
“When I put on the jersey, I’m going to run for every single Betis fan.
“We’re going to be focused on doing great things. Betis is very big and can compete with any team.”
“Only my family knows how difficult it was to be there [at Manchester United]. Training separately… but I knew this incredible moment was coming.
“Of course, I was afraid it wouldn’t happen in the end, but I waited because I had so much faith.”
