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‘I’m happy’ – Antony gives big indication over future after another Real Betis goal
Antony has given his clearest signal yet that he would like a lengthier stay at Real Betis. The Brazilian winger was the hero for Betis as he netted the winner in second-half stoppage time to secure a 2-1 victory over Espanyol. Antony scored yet another decisive goal for Betis, this time against EspanyolGetty With the ball at his feet on the right edge of the 18-yard box, Antony unleashed a step-over before he nudged it with the outside of his left foot and unleashed a vicious curling effort that flew in the top corner. The joy on Antony’s face was there for all to see as he was immediately mobbed by his Betis teammates. Antony’s latest strike continued his impressive resurgence since he joined Betis on loan from Manchester United in January. Speaking after his match-winning effort, the 25-year-old insisted he was ‘happy’ in Seville and has felt the love from Betis’ supporters. “I have said it in many interviews, I found myself at Real Betis,” Antony said. “And the fans have found me too. I’m happy. “I was joking with the coach (Pellegrini), saying that I scored a golazo with both of my feet. “I am someone who really likes to feel love from the fans. I want to thank them for that.” Antony’s goal against Espanyol marked his seventh in all competitions for Betis and his fourth in LaLiga. Crucially, it helped Betis to a win that kept them within touching distance of a spot in next season’s Champions League. Antony wasted little time in becoming a fan favourite at BetisGetty Manuel Pellegrini’s side sit sixth on 57 points, one place and point behind Villarreal who occupy the last Champions League spot in LaLiga. Qualification for Europe’s elite club competition could be the key that decides whether Betis can afford to sign Antony on a permanent deal, with United no doubt aiming to recoup as much of the £81million as possible. Betis boss Pellegrini conceded just as much in April as he hailed how seamlessly Antony had slotted in to the team. “We’ve all seen what Antony has done here with the team, and I hope he can stay, although we know it won’t be easy,” Pellegrini said. “He’s fitted in very well with the team’s collective play and has had important individual performances. “I think the important thing now for Antony and everyone else is to focus on winning the next three points and trying to achieve a bigger goal, which of course would perhaps change the club’s financial situation, playing in the Champions League or reaching higher levels in European competitions.” X / @RealBetisPellegrini has loved what Antony has brought to his team since joining in January[/caption] Antony can endear himself to Betis’ supporters even more should he play a starring role in getting the club to the Europa Conference League final on Thursday. Betis hold a 2-1 advantage over Fiorentina going into the second leg thanks to Antony’s second-half strike. Should Betis get past their Italian rivals, they would be 90 minutes away from winning their first piece of European silverware.
Antony has given his clearest signal yet that he would like a lengthier stay at Real Betis.
The Brazilian winger was the hero for Betis as he netted the winner in second-half stoppage time to secure a 2-1 victory over Espanyol.
With the ball at his feet on the right edge of the 18-yard box, Antony unleashed a step-over before he nudged it with the outside of his left foot and unleashed a vicious curling effort that flew in the top corner.
The joy on Antony’s face was there for all to see as he was immediately mobbed by his Betis teammates.
Antony’s latest strike continued his impressive resurgence since he joined Betis on loan from Manchester United in January.
Speaking after his match-winning effort, the 25-year-old insisted he was ‘happy’ in Seville and has felt the love from Betis’ supporters.
“I have said it in many interviews, I found myself at Real Betis,” Antony said.
“And the fans have found me too. I’m happy.
“I was joking with the coach (Pellegrini), saying that I scored a golazo with both of my feet.
“I am someone who really likes to feel love from the fans. I want to thank them for that.”
Antony’s goal against Espanyol marked his seventh in all competitions for Betis and his fourth in LaLiga.
Crucially, it helped Betis to a win that kept them within touching distance of a spot in next season’s Champions League.
Manuel Pellegrini’s side sit sixth on 57 points, one place and point behind Villarreal who occupy the last Champions League spot in LaLiga.
Qualification for Europe’s elite club competition could be the key that decides whether Betis can afford to sign Antony on a permanent deal, with United no doubt aiming to recoup as much of the £81million as possible.
“We’ve all seen what Antony has done here with the team, and I hope he can stay, although we know it won’t be easy,” Pellegrini said.
“He’s fitted in very well with the team’s collective play and has had important individual performances.
“I think the important thing now for Antony and everyone else is to focus on winning the next three points and trying to achieve a bigger goal, which of course would perhaps change the club’s financial situation, playing in the Champions League or reaching higher levels in European competitions.”
Antony can endear himself to Betis’ supporters even more should he play a starring role in getting the club to the Europa Conference League final on Thursday.
Betis hold a 2-1 advantage over Fiorentina going into the second leg thanks to Antony’s second-half strike.
Should Betis get past their Italian rivals, they would be 90 minutes away from winning their first piece of European silverware.
