Real Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini stated that Brazilian winger Antony sought “revenge” upon his arrival in Spain after experiencing a disappointing stint at Manchester United, as their team readied for the UEFA Conference League final against Chelsea on Wednesday.
Antony made a loan move to the La Liga club in January and has since made a remarkable comeback, netting nine goals and providing five assists across 25 matches.
At 25 years old, he became the second-most expensive player in Manchester United’s history when he transferred from Ajax in 2022 for £81.3 million ($110 million), yet he struggled to meet the expectations associated with his hefty price tag.
The winger managed to score only once for United this season prior to his transfer to Spain.
Antony informed TNT Sports Brazil before the Conference League match in Wroclaw that there was a time when he felt so despondent that he went “days without eating.”
“I confided in (my brother) that I could no longer endure it,” he remarked.
Betis manager Pellegrini expressed during his pre-match press conference in Poland on Tuesday that he felt proud of his contribution to Antony’s resurgence, while also commending the forward for his remarkable goals scored in Spain.
“I believe that Anthony did everything within his power,” he stated.
“I had a conversation with him prior to his arrival at Betis. He mentioned that he was not participating in matches because he was unhappy.
“Additionally, he sought to prove himself. Here at Betis, I believe he has demonstrated his capabilities as we know he can.”
Former Real Madrid and Manchester City manager Pellegrini acknowledged the challenges of playing under the weight of a significant transfer fee.
“Antony is an exceptionally talented player. I am completely confident that this period at Betis will be crucial for the advancement of his career.”
Chelsea, two-time European champions, have been considered the favorites to secure victory in the continent’s third-tier club competition since the season commenced.
However, Pellegrini, aged 71, expressed his confidence in his team, who finished sixth in La Liga and are competing in their inaugural European final.
“We do not perceive this as a David versus Goliath scenario,” he stated. “I believe that tomorrow we will have precisely the same chance to win the match.”
The Chilean acknowledged that early in the tournament, he had anticipated facing Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, his former assistant at West Ham, in the final.
“I sent a brief message at the start of the group stage, indicating that I envisioned us meeting in Poland for the final, and upon our arrival, I also sent a message expressing my delight at competing against him in the final,” he added.
