Antony Revives Career at Real Betis After Manchester United Struggles
Brazilian winger opens up about mental health struggles and regaining joy for football in emotional interview ahead of Conference League final.
Antony has found new life at Real Betis after a difficult spell at Manchester United. The Brazilian winger, once a €100 million signing from Ajax in 2022, never quite lived up to expectations at Old Trafford, struggling with inconsistency, coaching changes, and personal challenges. In a recent interview with TNT Sports Brazil, Antony tearfully revealed the depth of his struggles, admitting he had lost the desire to play football and endured a period of severe mental distress.
“I didn’t even have the energy to play with my son. I went days without eating,” he shared.
The January loan move to Real Betis marked a turning point. Antony quickly made an impact, winning Man of the Match on his debut and scoring in his second game. With 9 goals and 5 assists in 25 matches, he has become a key player for Betis and will feature in the UEFA Conference League final against Chelsea.
His resurgence has also been rewarded with a call-up to the Brazil national team by new head coach Carlo Ancelotti for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Antony’s story is one of rediscovery, resilience, and redemption — a powerful reminder of the emotional toll professional sports can take and the importance of mental health in an athlete’s journey.
