Johnny Cardoso returned to group training on Saturday, giving Atlético de Madrid a boost ahead of Monday’s La Liga clash with Real Betis. The American midfielder, sidelined by an ankle problem last week, joined the squad for the opening portion of the session at Cerro del Espino as he continues his gradual return to full fitness.
Real Betis boss Manuel Pellegrini claims that Antony has “matured significantly” since bringing his Manchester United nightmare to a close and securing a permanent transfer to Andalusia. The Brazil international forward became a big-money flop at Old Trafford, but has rediscovered a lost spark in Spanish football and bagged a brilliant brace against Villarreal in his latest outing.
Former Espanyol president Joan Collet was caught up in a physical altercation in the VIP area after the final whistle of the club's clash with Real Betis, capping a frustrating day for the Catalan club both on and off the pitch.
Antony has opened up about the darkest phase of his career at Manchester United, recalling how he was sidelined to train alone at Carrington and even missed his son’s first steps. Yet through it all, faith, family, and belief in destiny kept him focused, helping him rebuild and thrive again at Real Betis.
Antony has accused Manchester United of "rudeness" during his time at Old Trafford, with a forgettable stint in English football being brought to a close when completing a permanent transfer to Real Betis. The Brazil international linked up with the Red Devils in 2022 when completing a big-money move from Ajax, but struggled to produce his best with the Premier League heavyweights.
Antony claims to have been “disrespected” by Manchester United before his summer transfer to Real Betis was completed. The Brazil international enjoyed a productive loan spell with the Liga outfit over the second-half of last season and made it clear that a return to Andalusia was his preference. The Red Devils did not make that process easy, with Antony taking to holing up in a hotel at one stage as he endeavoured to push a deal through.
Real Betis opened their Europa League account with a hard-earned 2-2 draw against Ange Postecoglou's Nottingham Forest on Wednesday. The Andalusian outfit had Antony to thank as his late equaliser denied Forest all three points. Betis sporting director Manu Fajardo hailed the Brazilian's impact and even went so far as to say that the Manchester United flop might be the club's most important signing ever.
Antony was the inspiration for Real Betis with two key contributions to deny Forest on their long-awaited return to European competition in Seville. His dramatic equaliser came with five minutes remaining, following his assist for Cedric Bakambu in the 15th minute which had given Betis the lead. Forest squandered their lead, which came courtesy of a brace from Igor Jesus, during their first foray into European competition since the 1995-96 season.
Antony's Manchester United team-mates reportedly had doubts about the winger's ability and concerns were raised over his conduct towards Carrington staff. The Brazilian swapped Ajax for the Red Devils in a whopping £85 million ($115m) deal in 2022 and joined Real Betis this summer for £63.8m ($86m) less than that. Now, more grumblings about the 25-year-old are coming out of the woodwork.
Antony sealed a permanent switch to Real Betis after a mixed spell at Manchester United, with Manuel Pellegrini confident the winger will rediscover his best form. The Brazilian thrived on loan last season and, despite a slow start to this campaign, his manager insists he will be “happy in every way” as Betis look to revive their season.
Vinicius Jr’s Ballon d’Or nightmare worsened as Betis mocked the Real Madrid winger after he finished 16th in the 2025 rankings. The Brazilian had once promised to win the award “ten times if needed”, but those words were brutally echoed back at him online. Now, with Xabi Alonso limiting his role, pressure is mounting on the highly-rated attacker.
Real Betis are launching a unique clothing range inspired by Antony's neck tattoo as the club look to fund £21.6m move from Manchester United. The Brazilian winger had already won fans over during his loan spell in Seville last season, but finances threatened to derail the deal. United stood firm on their valuation, leaving Betis to search for creative ways to bridge a £5m gap.
Manchester United flop Antony has revealed he rejected an offer to link up with Harry Kane at Bayern Munich before sealing his permanent transfer to Real Betis. The Brazilian winger, who fell out of favour under Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford, officially sealed his return to Betis in a €25 million (£21m/$27m) deal on deadline day, penning a five-year contract.
Real Betis have confirmed the signing of Brazilian winger Antony from Manchester United in a €25 million (£22m) deal. The move includes a 50% sell-on clause on any future profit, ending weeks of tense negotiations over the player’s wages. Antony returns to Betis permanently after a successful loan spell, having revitalised his career in La Liga following a difficult stint at Old Trafford.
Real Betis have put out a statement confirming that they have pulled out of Antony transfer unless Manchester United shell out an exit fee or the player lowers his salary demands. The La Liga side sensationally walked away from a deal just hours after a transfer package worth £21.6 million ($29m) had been agreed. Betis admitted they couldn’t afford the astronomical financial demands tied to the agreement with United.
Manchester United outcast Antony has reportedly moved out of his luxurious mansion in Hale, Greater Manchester, as he checked into a hotel close to the airport with his family. The Brazilian winger is on the verge of ending his United nightmare after Real Betis reached an agreement in principle to bring back the 25-year-old to La Liga.
Real Betis
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