Antony bursts into tears and reveals Betis fans kept him awake at 2am as new signing opens up on mental toll of 40-day hotel stay before finally sealing Man Utd exit

Antony has officially sealed his return to Real Betis in a €25 million (£21m/$27m) deal from United, signing a five-year contract. The Brazilian winger spent the second half of last season on loan at the Benito Villamarin, impressing with nine goals and five assists across 26 matches as Manuel Pellegrini’s side clinched Europa League qualification. After a summer of tense negotiations over wages and structure, Los Verdiblancos finally completed the move on deadline day, including a 50 per cent sell-on clause. Antony’s unveiling in Seville, held in Triana, was an emotional one as the player broke down in tears reflecting on his journey back to Spain.

This signing represents a huge coup for Betis, who fought hard to secure the ex-Ajax star despite financial constraints. For United, the deal ends a difficult chapter with the winger, who never managed to live up to his €95m (£80m/$104m) price tag at Old Trafford. For Betis, however, Antony’s arrival is more than just a footballing move it is a symbol of ambition.

Antony could not hold back his emotions when speaking about his struggles before the transfer was completed. He explained how his determination to rejoin Betis made the wait unbearable: "What a difference! Seville is more beautiful than Manchester. I'm finally here. I spent more than 40 days in a hotel; it was very hard, but everyone knew I wanted to return to Betis. Now with more time, we have so many things to do and achieve."

He went on to reveal how Betis fans overwhelmed him with their passion: "I had trouble sleeping after seeing so much affection from the Betis fans; there were people waiting at my house at two in the morning.

“It’s been very hard, but we’re here now. I’m looking forward to wearing the Betis shirt again. I can only thank everyone who made it possible.”

The Brazilian is expected to make his second Betis debut on September 14 when the club face newly-promoted Levante in La Liga. With the Brazilian now tied to a long-term deal, Pellegrini will hope to harness his flair and form to guide Betis deeper into Europe and closer to Spain’s top four.