Antony reacts to Real Betis’ Europa Conference League defeat as a return to Man United draws closer | OneFootball

Antony has revealed the “pride” he feels despite Real Betis’ 4-1 loss to Chelsea in last night’s Europa Conference League final.

The Brazilian winger swapped Manchester for Seville in the January transfer window to join Betis on loan until the end of the season after falling down the pecking order under Ruben Amorim.

It has proven one of the best pieces of business for any club in Europe in recent years with Antony immediately establishing himself as a pivotal part of Manuel Pellegrini’s team. He has scored nine goals and provided five assists in 25 appearances for his adopted side, many of them outstanding efforts from range.

United fans would be forgiven for wondering whether Old Trafford is the curse after watching so many players suffer in Manchester only to immediately regain form elsewhere.

Antony had hooped to “make history” in last night’s final in Poland as Betis have never won a European trophy. And the Liga side came out swinging against their English counterparts from the first whistle.

The Heliopolitans took the lead in a blistering start at the Wrocław Stadium through Abde Ezzalzouli, and would go on to dominate the first half with Chelsea struggling to find their feet.

However, the second half saw Betis sit deeper to protect their lead and the quality of Enzo Maresca’s side, led by Cole Palmer, overwhelmed the Spaniards as they gave away four goals in the space of 26 minutes.

Jadon Sancho, another winger on loan from United, also got in on the act as a substitute, scoring Chelsea’s third with a well-taken finish from the left.

Sancho and Antony embraced each other at full-time in Poland, though perhaps this was more a sense of collective despair at the prospect of returning to Old Trafford this summer.

On his X account, Antony praised Betis’ fans for their support in the build-up to the final, revealing it made him and his teammates “stronger”.

Translated Tweet: “The sadness is for getting so close… but the pride I feel now is much greater! How proud I am to wear this shirt and build such a beautiful story. We made history, know that. To all the fans who followed us at every moment, I say with all the sincerity in the world: you made us stronger!”

Betis are extremely keen to keep Antony at the Villamarin Stadium next season but are unlikely to be able to meet United’s price tag, believed to be a minimum of £32.5 million due to the Brazilian’s remaining book value.

The Red Devils are prioritising permanent exits for unwanted players before any loan moves are considered and there are other clubs expressing interest in Antony after his impressive resurgence in Spain.

Featured image Fran Santiago via Getty Images

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