Antony’s return to Barcelona, valued at an estimated £51 million, marks a remarkable chapter after his initial departure from the Spanish club’s youth system in 2014 to join Dinamo Zagreb. The 24-year-old has penned a six-year deal with a hefty release clause of €500 million (£429 million). Despite being a key player in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph, where he shared the top-scorer spot with three goals, his performance for United has not met expectations.
He reflected on his challenging past in a São Paulo favela, highlighting the stark contrasts between his earlier life and his current success. Antony shared that the favela remains deeply ingrained in his identity, symbolized by tattoos and the persistent reminder of his roots. Despite his newfound affluence, he frequently visits the favela, finding inspiration and grounding in his past struggles.
Addressing his underwhelming performances at United and ongoing investigations into domestic abuse allegations, Antony acknowledged his dissatisfaction with last season’s efforts, attributing some struggles to personal issues. Nevertheless, he is determined to make a strong comeback, using handwritten notes to track and improve his game performance.
Manager Erik ten Hag has stood by Antony, though competition within the squad, including Jadon Sancho’s return and rising talents like Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho, complicates Antony’s path to securing a regular spot. Antony’s commitment to personal development and improvement underscores his resolve to turn his fortunes around at Old Trafford.