'Days without eating' - Man Utd memories reduce Antony to tears as £85m Premier League flop rediscovers his spark during Real Betis loan spell

The Brazil international moved to Old Trafford from Ajax for £85 million ($115m) during the summer of 2022. He struggled to make the desired impact for Premier League giants, with just 12 goals recorded through 96 appearances.

Antony was allowed to leave on loan in January, with the decision taken to head for Spain and Real Betis. He has posted nine goals and five assists for them, while helping to book a place in the Conference League final.

Antony has his spark back, with the 25-year-old winger telling TNT Sports Brazil of his journey to this point: “[Coming to Betis] changed a lot because I needed to find myself, because of everything I went through in my personal life.

“I wanted to do things, but they didn't seem to work out because I wasn't happy, I didn't feel that desire to play football, and I needed to find myself and be happy again because playing football was always something I loved. I went through difficult times [at Manchester United] when I no longer felt that pleasure. I even always told my brother, I told him that I couldn't take it anymore.”

On rediscovering his love for the game, while revealing how bad things got in Manchester, Antony added: “[My brother] told me to hold on a little longer, that things were going to change. It even made me emotional, because they were very hard days for me.

“Only I know what it was like to be there at home, not having the strength to even play with my son, going days without eating, staying locked in my room. So, for me it was very complicated, but thank God, with the help of my family and mainly with the help of God, I managed to get ahead and today I am very happy here.”

While reflecting on his recent past makes Antony emotional, his future is looking bright. A permanent transfer away from United is expected to be completed this summer, with the likes of Atletico Madrid and Juventus being credited with interest.