Antony bursts into tears over ‘very tough times’ as Man United loanee takes Real Betis to final

Antony bursts into tears over ‘very tough times’ as Man United loanee takes Real Betis to final

Antony starred as Real Betis booked their place in the Conference League final with a 4-3 aggregate win over Fiorentina before he broke down in tears over his Manchester United spell

Manchester United loanee Antony burst into tears after inspiring Real Betis to a place in the Conference League final, opening up about the “very tough times” he endured at Old Trafford.

The Brazilian, 25, delivered a heroic performance as Betis triumphed over Fiorentina to book their place in their first European final on Thursday. Antony scored a stunning free-kick against his ex-United team-mate David de Gea, bending it in off the post from range
The goal marked his third consecutive match finding the back of the net, having already scored a spectacular volley from the edge of the area in the first leg to give his team a 2-1 advantage heading to Florence

And with the tie hanging in the balance at 3-3 on aggregate, Antony once again stepped up, serving the ball on a plate for Abde Ezzalzouli to score an extra-time winner.

His team-mates swarmed him in celebration as ecstatic scenes unfolded in the away section of the Stadio Artemio Franchi. Antony couldn’t contain his feelings, shedding tears both at the final whistle and during his post-match interview.

The £86million winger said: “My family knows what we went through to be here. I have cried a lot with my mother, with my wife and with my siblings. Because we went through very tough times. I am living a dream now.”

“It (Seville) reminds me a lot of Brazil: the sun, the food, everything. The people are also very warm and happy; that’s important for us who come from Brazil and are used to that. As I’ve said, I’m very happy.

“It’s important to score goals and provide assists but for me what’s most important is sleeping peacefully knowing how I’m doing with myself and being well and happy.

“Seeing my family smiling is also essential for me; I always talk to my family in Brazil and they are also very happy for me.”