Last season, Antony was far from the expected level, considering that Manchester United paid nearly 100 million euros to Ajax two years ago to sign him. He is the first to acknowledge this, and therefore, aware of the need to improve, he assured that he will not disappoint this year.
“Rest assured that my name will be associated with goals and assists,” the Brazilian told the Daily Mail ahead of his team’s match against city rival Manchester City for the Community Shield. In the recently concluded campaign, he scored only three goals and provided two assists, although he had periods of absence, mainly due to domestic violence allegations from his ex-partner.
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“A lot has happened in my personal life throughout the year. Like it or not, everything I’ve experienced has impacted my performance on the pitch. It was very difficult for me and my entire family, but I’ve learned from it all. I’ve grown and matured,” said the Brazilian, who also lost his place in the five-time champion national team.
In an intimate interview, the São Paulo native spoke about his childhood in a favela, recalling those challenging moments and how they helped him strengthen himself, both in life and in football: “I talked about the tough times I went through last year, but I’ve overcome more significant difficulties in the favela. Like when I didn’t have boots to play football and when sometimes there wasn’t enough to eat.”
“I am very grateful to the favela; it’s a place where I suffered a lot, but always with a smile on my face. It’s a place I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I always play with the favela written on my boots because it’s always with me,” he added.
