Antony continues to prove his worth during his loan spell at Real Betis, and his latest performance on Thursday night was a shining example of his talents.
Scoring the winning goal in their 2-1 victory over Fiorentina in the Conference League semi-final first leg, the Brazilian winger reminded everyone of his class.
With nine goal involvements in 19 appearances for the La Liga side, Antony is certainly making his mark.
A Brilliant Strike to Remember
In the 26th minute of the game, Antony produced a moment of brilliance.
Initially, he failed to get a long-range shot off with his stronger left foot.
But with quick reflexes and an excellent eye for the goal, he followed up with a perfectly executed half-volley, smashing the ball into the top corner with his right foot.
The strike was a testament to his growing confidence and skill, making him a key figure in Betis’ attacking setup.
A Celebration with Meaning
Following his spectacular goal, Antony debuted a new celebration that caught the attention of fans and teammates alike.
Pointing to the “Iluminado” tattoo on his neck, which translates to “The Chosen One,” Antony marked the moment with a meaningful gesture.
It was a symbolic way to celebrate his resurgence in Spain, following a tough period at Manchester United.
Antony’s Future at Betis: Uncertain but Encouraging
While Antony’s immediate future at Betis remains uncertain, his performances have sparked a strong desire among his teammates for him to stay.
Veteran player Joaquin, ever the character, jokingly offered to “kidnap” Antony to keep him in Seville, expressing his wish for the winger to stay beyond the end of the season. “This is the moment to enjoy.
Important moments will come, and we’ll see later,” Joaquin said after the victory.
A Fresh Start After Struggles at Manchester United
Antony’s time at Manchester United has been far from smooth.
Signed for a hefty £86 million, the Brazilian struggled to find consistent form, registering only 12 goals and five assists in 96 matches for the club.
Last month, Antony opened up about how personal issues affected his time at Old Trafford.
He admitted that his turbulent personal life had a significant impact on his performances.
In 2023, accusations from his ex-partner, Gabriela Cavallin, led to an investigation, though the police ultimately concluded there was insufficient evidence to press charges.
Reflections on His Time at Manchester United
Reflecting on his time in Manchester, Antony acknowledged the challenges he faced both on and off the pitch.
“My personal life got in the way a lot because of the things I went through,” he shared with ESPN Brasil. “Of course, I know my potential.
It’s not for nothing that I went to a World Cup, that I was sold to United for a lot of money.
I know my worth.” Despite the setbacks, Antony believes that his struggles don’t define his abilities and is focused on moving forward with his career.
For now, Antony’s focus is on making the most of his opportunity at Betis, where he has shown flashes of the player he can be.
Whether he stays in Seville beyond this season or returns to Manchester United, one thing is clear—Antony’s talent is undeniable, and he’s ready to prove himself on the big stage once again.