Manuel Pellegrini says that Antony wanted to “take revenge” when he came to Real Betis, who had had trouble fulfilling his hefty price tag in Manchester United.
Antony came to United from Ajax in August 2022 for a reported £ 85 million, with former manager Erik ten Hag.
However, he had difficulty making an impact in the Premier League, to achieve only five goals and register three assists in 62 performances in the competition.
After the resignation of ten hag in October, Antony struggled to get into the team under Ruben Amorim, before he came to Betis in January on a half -season loan.
He immediately made an impact in Spain. He made 25 performances in all competitions, scored nine goals and assisted five when he helped Betis finished sixth in Laliga and to reach the Conference League final.
And for the showpiece against Chelsea, Pellegrini emphasized how Antony was motivated to prove a point.
“I spoke with him before he came to Betis. He told me he wasn't playing because he wasn't happy, but he had many complaints about what he did,” said Pellegrini.
“He wanted revenge, and here in Betis I think he had it, and he did it the way we know he can, because it is not easy for you to play as a 100 million player.
“And Antony is a very good player. I am absolutely sure that this is a huge time for him here in Betis to help improve his career.”
Betis plays in their first major European final and becomes the first Spanish side to do this since 2020-21, with Villarreal Triumphing by beating Man Utd on penalties in the Europa League.
Spanish parties have won each of their last nine major European finals against English opponents. Betis, however, only won one of the eight games against English opposition in all competitions (D1 L6), in which Chelsea was defeated in the Champions League of 2005-06.
“I don't think it's David V Goliath – we have the same chance as she won the title,” Pellegrini added.
“The emotional side must be checked because one error can be expensive. If we play them as equals, we have a chance to win. We should not make any mistakes through overmotivation.
“It has been a year -long attempt to qualify for Europe with four more games, and we had the opportunity to reach this final. It is the first international final of Betis, and we feel confident.”