The summer transfer window has been a whirlwind for Manchester United fans, with multiple departures and arrivals reshaping the squad ahead of a demanding Premier League campaign.
The club has had to balance marquee signings with internal squad management, while young talents and established stars alike have faced uncertainty over playing time and futures.
Players linked with moves abroad have often been at the centre of intense speculation, with negotiations sometimes stretching over weeks and even months.
One such high-profile situation involved a player who had spent significant time in Manchester before returning to Spain.
The focus now turns to Antony, who has completed his move to Real Betis on a five-year deal.
The Brazilian winger revealed, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo, the personal toll the transfer saga took on him, describing the period as “a very tough month,” during which he “spent more than 40 days in a hotel” waiting for Manchester United negotiations to conclude.
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The Sao Paulo forward’s return to Betis has been an emotional one, with Antony admitting he found it “hard to sleep with so much love” as he “received since arriving” in Seville last night, expressing gratitude to “all the Betis fans.”
Antony opened up about the anxiety that accompanied the drawn-out process, stating, “of course I was afraid the signing wouldn’t happen” but he chose to wait “because he knew good things were coming, everyone knew he wanted to come” due to the “affection” he holds for Betis, insisting “there was no other option, it was clear it was either Betis or Betis.”
Speaking on his conversation with family, Antony admitted, “Last night I spoke to my family in Brazil and I was crying with happiness, because only I know what I’ve experienced in Manchester.
“It’s been very difficult, but everything that happens in life has a reason, and I knew I had to wait to experience this day today.
“I’m even more certain that it’s the best decision of my life.”
The winger emphasised his loyalty to Betis despite other offers, saying, “I have been honest” and “always” expressed my “intention” to come despite the fact that “I had other offers, but Betis was the most important thing for me” because “this club is a feeling” in which “those who enter the field represent those who are outside.”
Antony’s words underline the emotional and professional journey he endured during the summer, providing clarity on why he opted to leave Manchester United and recommit to Betis.
