Antony Emotionally Leaving Old Trafford: It's Very Difficult To Be At Manchester United

Antony has finally joined Real Betis permanently after a difficult time at Manchester United (Instagram/@antony00).

JAKARTA - Antony was very emotional, sobbing about the end of his career at Manchester United while waiting for the transfer process to Real Betis to be completed.

After the move was delayed on Friday, August 29, 2025, an agreement was reached between the two clubs just before the close of the transfer market on Monday, September 1, 2025, local time.

Betis will pay a fixed fee of 22 million euros (around Rp. 419 billion) with an additional 3 million euros (around Rp. 57 billion) as a potential bonus. Manchester United will also get 50 percent of each transfer in the future.

After spending the second half of last season on loan at Betis, Antony returned to Manchester United, but was not included in Ruben Amorim's squad for a pre-season tour to the United States and has been training separately at the club complex in Carrington.

"Only my family knows how difficult it is to be there. Practice separately. However, I know this extraordinary moment will come."

"Of course, I'm afraid it won't happen in the end, but I'm waiting because I'm very sure," Antony said, crying when introduced as Real Betis' new player on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.

His appearance for Betis, scoring nine goals in 26 games and helping to reach last season's UEFA Conference League final, convinced the La Liga club to make him permanent.

Antony still has a two-year contract remaining from the five-year contract he signed when he arrived from Ajax in 2022, but Manchester United has to pay a separate fee to the Brazilian forward.

"Realizing transfers is very difficult, but we are here now. I can't wait to wear the Betis uniform again."

"I can only thank everyone who has allowed this. How different! Sevilla is more beautiful than Manchester."

"Finally I'm here. I spent more than 40 days at the hotel. It was very difficult, but everyone knows I want to go back to Betis."

"Now with more time, there are so many things to do and achieve. I have trouble sleeping after seeing so much love from Betis supporters.

"There are people waiting at my house at 2 am," said Antony as reported by ESPN.

The 25-year-old left Old Trafford after appearing 96 times in three, scoring 12 goals, although he failed to meet expectations from his exorbitant banderol.

Antony remains Manchester United's second most expensive player after Paul Pogba after his move from Ajax for 95 million euros (around Rp1.8 trillion).

"It is very important to me. It is something that cannot be bought with money. Here (Betis), I feel happy and full of love."

"Betis has always been my first choice and that is why I waited until the last day to return to Betis. Now I am here and happy in my beloved city and club," said Antony.