Antony backed for Brazil recall after ‘a lot of messed up things’ as £85m Man Utd flop thrives at Europa Conference League finalists Real Betis

The 25-year-old winger saw allegations of physical assault, which had been made by a former partner, dropped in August 2024. A matter of months later, he was deemed surplus to requirements by Manchester United.

Having flopped at Old Trafford on the back of an £85 million ($112m) transfer from Ajax, Antony has rediscovered a lost spark in Spain. He has registered eight goals and five assists for Betis, helping them to the Europa Conference League final.

Antony’s return to form is generating more transfer talk, as he is linked with clubs across Europe, while it has been claimed that incoming Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti is ready to welcome the fleet-footed forward back from the international wilderness.

Ex-Brazil striker Costa, who spent time in England with Chelsea and Wolves, has told The National: “So Antony lacked a little patience. He also went through a lot of messed up things. I know about family issues.

“So the kid’s head was very messed up because he’s very talented. Antony is very good, and look, now that he’s happy, he’s calm, he’s having an impressive season. It’s very easy to criticise from the outside, but as players, our heads count for a lot. If we’re not clean, it ends up affecting the field.

“He had a very difficult problem behind him because of the accusation against him but now he’s fine. He’s calm. He’s happy and confident. Look how he’s doing at Betis. If he carries on like this he’s a player who’s going to be there to play in the World Cup.”

Brazil have two 2026 World Cup qualifiers to come in June, against Ecuador and Paraguay, with there every chance that Antony will form part of a new era for the Selecao under departing Real Madrid coach Ancelotti.