Manchester United flop Antony has claimed he turned down an approach from Bayern Munich in order to secure his deadline day move to Real Betis.
The Brazilian endured a horrendous time at Old Trafford and the club took a massive £60million loss on him in agreeing a deadline day move to the LaLiga side.
The 25-year-old became a fan favourite on loan at Betis last season, scoring nine goals in 26 games under the guidance of Manuel Pellegrini.
After a protracted saga, Antony completed a permanent move to the Spanish side for £21.6million, comprising of a £19.6m fixed fee with a further £2m due in bonuses.
They have also agreed a substantial net sell-on of 50 per cent for the Brazilian and no severance pay off has been made to the 25-year old.
Speaking to the Spanish radio station Cadena Cope, Antony claimed had had received approaches from five other clubs, including Bayern Munich.
Antony has claimed he turned down a move to Bayern Munich in order to join Real Betis
The Brazilian said he had spoken to the German giants on the final day of the transfer window
Antony instead sealed his Manchester United exit by joining Real Betis on a permanent deal
The Brazilian said he had turned down the German giants, despite claiming they had offered to double his wages.
‘One day before the deal was completed, I spoke to the people at Bayern,’ Antony said.
‘But when I spoke to Bayern, I told them that the deal with Betis was 95 per cent complete, and that I would honour my word.
‘I would do so out of respect and love and because I know that I am very happy here.
‘I don’t know if they were offering me €7 million (£6million) [in wages]. With all respect I have for Bayern, which is a world-class club, I am at ease with the decision I’ve taken.
‘I don’t know what will happen in the future but I feel very calm about the decision I’ve taken.’
Antony will go down as one of Manchester United’s biggest flops having scored just 12 goals in 96 games during his three years at Old Trafford.
He netted one goal in 14 games during the first half of last season before being shipped out to Spain in January where he thrived at the club he has now made his permanent home.
The winger broke down during his presentation on Tuesday as he recalled being place in Man United’s ‘bomb squad’ in pre-season alongside Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Alejandro Garnacho.
Antony broke down in tears during his presentation as a Real Betis player on Tuesday
The new signing was overcome with emotion after ending his nightmare at Man United
Antony said he will run for every Betis fan and added that Sevilla is ‘more beautiful than Manchester’
‘What happened in Manchester, only I know how difficult it was,’ he said.
He took another moment to wipe away tears, adding: ‘I’m sorry. Training separately… but that’s part of life. I knew this moment would come. It’s in the past.
‘What a difference! Seville is more beautiful than Manchester. I’m finally here.
‘I have spent more than 40 days in a hotel, it has been very hard but everyone knew that I wanted to return to Betis. Now with more time, we have many things to do and to achieve.
‘It has been difficult for me to sleep while seeing so much affection from the Beticos, there were people waiting at my house at two in the morning.’
He added: ‘For me, affection is very important and it’s not all about money.
‘Here I have a lot of feeling and affection, it was always my first choice and that’s why I waited until the last day to return to Betis. Now I’m here and happy in a city and in a club that I love.’
‘It’s the first time I’ve experienced this. When I put on the shirt I’m going to run for each of the Béticos.’
Antony’s signing has been received with a huge amount of excitement among Betis fans in Seville and he was mobbed in the street on Monday.
With security surrounding him, one clip showed dozens of fans walking alongside the winger, trying to catch a glimpse or take a picture.
Betis posted the footage on X, writing: ‘Antonio de Triana. In his neighbourhood. With his people.’
