New Delhi: Brazil forward Antony has revealed he rejected an offer from Bayern Munich before returning to Real Betis on a permanent move from Manchester United. Antony claimed he spoke to Bayern Munich’s representatives a day before his move to Real Betis was sealed, and turned down the offer from the Bundesliga giants to keep his promise to Betis.
Antony spent the second half of last season on loan at Real Betis from Manchester United after he failed to cement his spot in Ruben Amorim’s team. Antony’s Betis stint turned out to be a successful one as the Brazilian forward regained his rhythm in Spain and played a key role in helping the club qualify for the Conference League final.
After returning to United, Antony trained separately from the rest of the squad as it was made clear to him that he had no future at the club. The forward has to wait till the deadline day for his move to Betis to materialise. The Spanish club paid a fee of 25 million euros to sign Antony on a permanent deal from United, with a 50% sell-on clause included in the deal.
Antony claimed Bayern Munich made a late attempt to sign him from United right before the deadline day. The forward revealed the Bundesliga giants were ready to double his salary, however, he turned down their offer, informing that his move to Betis was all but done.
“One day before the deal was completed, I spoke to the people at Bayern,” Antony told Cadena Cope radio in Spain.
“But when I spoke to Bayern, I told them that the deal with Betis was 95% complete, and that I would honour my word. I would do so out of respect and love and because I know that I am very happy here.
“I don’t know if they were offering me €7 million (in wages). With all respect I have for Bayern, which is a world-class club, I am at ease with the decision I’ve taken. I don’t know what will happen in the future, but I feel very calm about the decision I’ve taken,” he added.
Antony’s turnaround at Real Betis
After struggling to make an impact at United, Antony saw his career revived during his loan spell at Betis last season. The Brazilian scored 9 goals in 26 matches across competitions for the club and instantly became a hit among the Betis fans in Seville. He also helped the club make it to the final of the Conference League, where they lost 4-1 to Chelsea.
Antony revealed he was approached by around 5 clubs for a move after being sidelined by United, however, he turned down offers from all of them to wait for his transfer to Real Betis. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich signed striker Nicholas Jackson on a season-long loan from Chelsea for a fee of around 16.5 million Euros, which is one of the highest loan fee for any player.