'I had no hope' - Antony admits he 'hit rock bottom' at Man Utd as £85m winger opens up on 'emotional' return to Brazil national team

Tricky winger Antony moved to Old Trafford as part of an £85 million ($115m) transfer package in the summer of 2022. He was reunited with former Ajax boss Erik ten Hag in England and enjoyed a bright start to his spell with Premier League heavyweights.

Things quickly unravelled from there, on and off the pitch, with Antony mustering just 12 goals for United through 96 appearances. He was deemed surplus to requirements in January 2025 and allowed to link up with La Liga side Real Betis on loan.

A spark was rediscovered in Spain, with nine goals being recorded while also gracing the Conference League final, and Antony has been drafted back into the Brazil ranks by new Selecao boss Carlo Ancelotti.

The 25-year-old has told Brazil’s Football Federation (CBF) of earning an international recall after coming through some dark days: "It was one of the most emotional moments. I mentioned to some friends here in the national team that this call-up was more exciting than the first time I came here [October 2021], and it was even more emotional because of everything I've been through.

"Being in good shape, hitting rock bottom, and having the resilience that I had, with the help of God and my family, was very important."

Antony added on finding form again after being written off by many during his time in Manchester: “Even though I had no hope during the difficult time I was going through, at the same time I remembered many things I had experienced.

“I stopped to think and said to myself: 'I haven't forgotten how to play soccer, I didn't play in a World Cup for nothing, I didn't make it to the national team for nothing.' Everything happens for a reason, and this process was very necessary for my life because it made me stronger.”

Antony now has 16 senior caps for Brazil. He remains under contract at United until 2027, but is expected to see a permanent transfer sanctioned this summer after attracting interest from across Europe.