Antony finally sends emotional message to fans after he’s declared innocent as Erik Ten Hag reveals his Man United return date

Antony finally sends emotional message to fans after he’s declared innocent as Erik Ten Hag reveals his Man United return date

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One of Antony’s abuse accusers has withdrawn her complaints against the Manchester United winger as the investigation takes a fresh twist, according to reports.

After vowing to prove his innocence, the 23-year-old is on a leave of absence but still faces two allegations in Brazilian media.

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Antony has been away from the United spotlight since the 3-1 defeat at Arsenal before the international break, during which he was dropped from Brazil duty.

The former Ajax star has vehemently denied three allegations of abuse from ex-girlfriends as he supports the police investigation.

Sao Paulo and Manchester police are investigating accusations of Antony assaulting Gabriela Cavallin on four occasions.

Ingrid Lana, a 33-year-old banker, also came forward in an interview with Record TV, claiming Antony could have killed her with aggressive actions in October 2022.

But a third alleged victim, Rayssa de Freitas, has now reportedly dropped her case against the United No 21.

The law student claimed she was attacked by Antony and another female, Mallu Ohana, in the star’s Land Rover after the trio partied in a Sao Paulo nightclub.

De Freitas reportedly fled the car when it stopped at a traffic light and was later alleged to require hospital treatment. Both women are believed to have accused the other of sexual assault.

However, the Telegraph report that De Freitas has retracted her allegations to the Sao Paulo Civil Police in full.

The incident allegedly occurred in May 2022, just over three months before Antony joined Erik ten Hag at United in an £85million transfer.

The report adds that United completed traditional due diligence checks on Antony but found no evidence of domestic abuse allegations or police involvement regarding the player.

The Red Devils released a statement confirming the Brazilian forward would be absent from the return of club football as he addresses the allegations made against him.

And Antony took the chance to repeat his vow of innocence in his own statement.

He said: “I have agreed with Manchester United to take a period of absence while I address the allegations made against me.

“This was a mutual decision to avoid distraction to my teammates and unnecessary controversy for the club.

“I want to reiterate my innocence of the things I have been accused of, and I will fully cooperate with the police to help them reach the truth. I look forward to returning to play as soon as possible.”