Antony breaks down in tears at Real Betis presentation as he lays bare the bleak reality of Man United's bomb squad: 'Only I know how difficult it was'

1 week ago 2

By WILL GRIFFEE, MMA EDITOR

Published: 15:14 BST, 2 September 2025 | Updated: 15:43 BST, 2 September 2025

Antony was overcome by emotion as he broke down in tears at his Real Betis presentation after ending his nightmare with Man United's 'bomb squad'. 

The Brazilian endured a horrendous time at Old Trafford and the club took a massive £60million loss on him in agreeing a deadline day move to the LaLiga side. 

The 25-year-old became a fan favourite on loan at Betis last season, scoring nine goals in 26 games under the guidance of Manuel Pellegrini. 

He was then part of the group forced to train separately having been made outcasts by Ruben Amorim - who became known as the 'bomb squad' - but that sorry chapter is now closed. His fellow exiles, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho also moved on.

And after a protracted summer transfer saga, the weight was finally lifted and emotion poured out of Antony on stage in front of assembled media. 

Sat on a stool with the sunny Sevilla skyline behind him, Antony took time to compose himself as the tears streamed down his face, drying his eyes as he spoke about what a difficult period it has been. 

Antony broke down in tears during his presentation as a Real Betis player on Tuesday

The new signing was overcome with emotion after ending his nightmare at Man United

'What happened in Manchester, only I know how difficult it was,' he said. 

He took another moment to wipe away tears, adding: 'I'm sorry. Training separately... but that's part of life. I knew this moment would come. It's in the past.

'What a difference! Seville is more beautiful than Manchester. I’m finally here.

'I have spent more than 40 days in a hotel, it has been very hard but everyone knew that I wanted to return to Betis. Now with more time, we have many things to do and to achieve.

'It has been difficult for me to sleep while seeing so much affection from the Beticos, there were people waiting at my house at two in the morning.'

Antony was often derided by fans for his performances in a United shirt and made reference to the contrasting feeling he had from Betis supporters while on his stellar loan. 

He added: 'For me, affection is very important and it’s not all about money. 

'Here I have a lot of feeling and affection, 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 in a club that I love.'

Antony grinned for photos in his new club's kit (left) having put an end to his time at United

'It’s the first time I’ve experienced this. When I put on the shirt I’m going to run for each of the Béticos.'

Antony's signing has been received with a huge amount of excitement among Betis fans in Seville and he was mobbed in the street on Monday. 

With security surrounding him, one clip showed dozens of fans walking alongside the winger, trying to catch a glimpse or take a picture. 

Betis posted the footage on X, writing: 'Antonio de Triana. In his neighbourhood. With his people.'

Antony joined United from Ajax for £86m but they have agreed to sell for £21.6million. Of that £19.6m is fixed with a further £2m due in bonuses.

Antony said he will run for every Betis fan and added that Sevilla is 'more beautiful than Manchester'

They have also agreed a substantial net sell-on of 50 per cent for the Brazilian and no severance pay off has been made to the 25-year old. 

'Everybody at the club would like to wish Antony the very best of luck for the future,' United said in a statement. 

Antony will go down as one of Manchester United's biggest flops having scored just 12 goals in 96 games during his three years at Old Trafford.

He netted one goal in 14 games during the first half of last season before being shipped out to Spain in January where he thrived at the club he has now made his permanent home. 

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