‘Found myself because I’m happy’: Antony credits happiness & trust for stunning winner for Betis | OneFootball

Antony believes happiness and trust have been central to his revival in Spain after he scored a stunning 90th-minute winner for Real Betis against Espanyol on Sunday.

The Brazilian curled in a brilliant left-footed strike from the edge of the area to seal a 2-1 victory in Catalunya, sending the travelling fans into wild celebrations.

“Very happy with the win, with the amazing goal at the end of the match,” Antony told Movistar Plus. “We knew it would be very difficult, and now we can enjoy the victory because it’s very important.”

The 25-year-old has now scored seven goals and assisted four since joining Betis in January – form that has firmly re-established his confidence after a turbulent spell at Old Trafford.

“It’s very important because I’ve said in many interviews that I’ve found myself because I’m happy, things are going well,” he added.

“The coach joked with me because I scored great goals with my right foot, but he asked me when I’d do it with my left foot.

“I gave him a hug after scoring because he’s someone I care deeply about, and I’m grateful for his trust.”

Antony’s resurgence has helped Betis climb within one point of fifth-placed Villarreal in the race for a Champions League spot, with four games remaining in La Liga.

His contribution has fuelled the club’s push for silverware. Betis travel to Fiorentina for the second leg of their Europa Conference League semi-final on Thursday, having won the first game 2-1.

The former Ajax winger has become a fan favourite in Seville, with club legend Joaquin recently joking that he would ‘kidnap’ Antony to keep him at Betis.

Although his Old Trafford future remains unclear, Antony has insisted that his struggles in Manchester were not simply down to form.

Speaking to ESPN Brasil, he said: “My personal life got in the way a lot, because of the things I went through, the moments I lived there. Like it or not, it affected me a lot.

“I know the potential I have. It’s not for nothing that I went to the World Cup or that I was sold to United for a lot of money. People look at the moment, but they don’t look at the bigger picture.”

Antony’s loan expires in June. Betis are open to extending his stay, while Atletico Madrid have also been linked. Man United reportedly value him at around £40 million.