'I've cried a lot' - Antony breaks down in tears after leading Real Betis to Conference League final as Man Utd loanee's redemption continues

The Brazil international is heading to a major European final as his redemption arc continues in Spanish football. Antony mustered just 12 goals for Premier League giants United after joining them for £85 million ($113m) from Ajax in 2022.

He has eight efforts to his name through just 21 appearances for Betis - having joined them on loan in January. His latest strike, which was a spectacular free-kick, was followed by an extra-time assist that allowed a Conference League final date to be booked with Chelsea.

Antony told Movistar+ after his latest inspirational performance: "I've cried a lot, with my mother, with my wife, with my sister, with my brother, because we went through very difficult times to be enjoying this moment today.

"I'm a little tired, but happier than tired. We knew the match was going to be tough. We had to enjoy the moment, being in a final, so we had to celebrate with the fans."

Antony has had to overcome challenges on and off the field in order to reach this point, and added on rediscovering his spark: "I feel very happy. My family and I know what we went through three or four months ago to be living this moment today. I'm living a dream because I've been through a lot in my personal life; it's changed now. I'm very grateful to God for everything, so I can live this moment for myself and my family.

"When the match is over, the emotion comes because it's joy and also relief because I've been through difficult times in my life and today I'm experiencing an incredible moment, not only on the field, but also as a family, which is very important, and I feel very happy.

"It was a very difficult match, we should have been more attentive to set pieces. It can't happen again, but in a semi-final, everything happens. This group, the players, the staff, is incredible, that's what this locker room is like, everyone united."

Betis, who remain in the hunt for a top-five finish and Champions League qualification, have four La Liga fixtures to fulfil before facing Chelsea in Wroclaw, Poland on May 28. Antony will be hoping to star again in that contest.