Man United star Antony pens emotional farewell letter to Real Betis | OneFootball

Manchester United star Antony has on Saturday taken to social media, to unveil a heartfelt letter of thanks to all associated with Real Betis.

This, of course, comes fresh off a brilliant spell for the Brazilian in La Liga.

Wide-man Antony made the move to Real Betis during the January transfer window, fresh off another hugely underwhelming half-season on the books of the aforementioned Man United.

And the former Ajax standout, during his time in Seville, went on to rediscover his love for the game.

Quickly establishing himself in the first-choice XI of boss Manuel Pellegrini, Antony went on to rack up nine goals and five assists in 26 appearances across all competitions.

So impressive was the 25-year-old, in fact, that the Verdiblancos faithful have long been publicly urging their club to do whatever it takes to extend the player’s time at the Estadio Benito Villamarín.

For the time being, though, Antony is primed for a return to base at Old Trafford this summer.

This weekend, the attacker therefore took to his official social media platforms, to post a lengthy message, outlining his gratitude to all associated with Real Betis for his experience in Spain:

“Today is the day to give thanks for one of the most beautiful chapters of my life . And as I write this page of my story, I need to say why you were and always will be so special to me. Since I was little, football wasn’t just a dream or my only chance to change my life, as so many people say. For me, it was more than that. It was my joy. While many saw football as a way out, I saw it as a destination. The only place where I felt complete. I counted the minutes until I could chase the ball. Playing wasn’t an escape; it was a destination. It was pure happiness. Life took me far away, from the favela to the world. I left Brazil, I played in Holland, I played in England. I stopped being just a kid and became a father. Many things changed.

“But football, football was always there. It was always my refuge. Until one day, everything fell apart. From heaven to hell. The ball stopped going in, the joy disappeared, my world darkened, and I began to doubt myself . My talent and my passion for football. That’s when football gave me one last gift. You.

“When I arrived here, I didn’t know what to expect. But within my wildest dreams, I imagined finding what I found. From the first step I took at this club, I felt something different. It was like coming home, like finding a part of me that I thought was lost. With you, I smiled again. With you, I found the child I was before. The one who loved football with all his heart. With you, football became love again . True love. Thank you for welcoming me like one of the family. Thank you for giving me back the joy of playing football . And thank you for reminding me why I fell in love with this game. My home, my people, always so much Betis.”

Quotes via Marca

Conor Laird – GSFN