Antony has revealed that he went for days without eating during his lowest moment in Manchester United, but says he is “smiling and happy” at Real Betis.
The 25-year-old Brazilian winger, who signed £ 85 million for United from Ajax in September 2022 for £ 85 million, joined the LaLiga side in January on loan.
Antony only scored 12 times in 96 performances for Man Utd and this season only played 14 times under Erik ten Hag and then Ruben Amorim.
Antony was subject to accusations of domestic violence by three women in September 2023, although he was not arrested or charged in Brazil or the UK and the allegations denied.
The case in Brazil was closed in August 2024, but the larger police investigation from Manchester to alleged incidents that are said to take place in the UK remains open.
Ten Hag said in January last year that Antony's “Off-Field problems” had influenced his shape, and on the eve of Betis' Conference League final against Chelsea, the winger tore up when he spoke about the effect it had on him.
“I always say that I had good moments, but I also had very difficult moments. Not only on the field, but also,” he told TNT Sports Brazil. “People who ultimately disturbed me a lot mentally.
“I have experienced a number of very difficult times that have influenced me a lot. But I am very grateful, even for these difficult moments that I have experienced. Today I feel much more mature, much more prepared, I feel much better.
“It was a moment when I thought to stop playing. I no longer felt that desire to play football because of everything I went through, because of all the accusations and because I had stopped so long.
“[My career] has changed a lot [at Betis]. It changed a lot because I had to find myself, for everything I have experienced there in my personal life. I wanted to do things, but it seemed like it didn't happen because I wasn't happy, I no longer felt that desire to play football anymore and I had to find myself.
“Playing football was always something I loved and I went through difficult times when I no longer felt that pleasure.
“I would always talk to my brother, I always said:” I can't do it anymore, I can't do it anymore “. He said,” Wait a little longer and things will change. “
“I even get emotional because it was very difficult for me. Only I know what it was like in the house, not even the power to play with my son, days without eating, staying in my room.
“It was very complicated, but with the help of my family with the help of God, I managed to turn things around. I am already very happy here.”
Antony scored nine goals and produced five assists in 25 performances for Betis, and became one of the striking players in Spain during the second half of the season.
They have only lost four times since he arrived, making them finished sixth in Laliga and reaching the final of the Conference League while offering on their very first European trophy.
Antony praised head coach Manuel Pellegrini to help his shape in his usual position on the right wing.
“From the first conversation I had with him, he gave me incredible confidence, he gave me a very comfortable feeling,” Antony said.
“And when I arrived here, the conversation we had was very positive. He told me:” I know your potential, you didn't get to the national team for nothing, you have played in a World Cup for nothing, you know what a player you are, you have experienced difficult times and you have your responsibilities, you also have your part of the fault. “But he made me very comfortable.
“He always gave me a lot of confidence and he always told me: 'I don't want you to make 20 plays, I want you to make five or six with the aim of scoring, an assist who will help me a lot.
“I have followed all that advice and Pellegrini is a coach for whom I am very grateful.”
Antony joined Betis for a straight loan agreement with his husband UTD contract until 2027, with a club-kept option of another year.
Antony admitted that he is sorry about his time at Man Utd and said he does not know what the future will entail.
“I feel that I could have done more with the United Jersey, but I am also very grateful for everyone's affection I had there,” he said. “I even have a lot of contact there.
“It was a difficult moment that I went on, and today I smile here and I am happy.
“I always say that I am doing my part. I play football, I'm happy and I'm doing well. I don't know anything about the future.
“I will do my bit, so that when the transfer window is opened, my agents work on it. But now my focus is on doing well and we will see what will happen in the future.”