Antony has disclosed that he was the subject of strong interest from Bayern Munich last summer, ultimately choosing a move to Real Betis despite personal contact from head coach Vincent Kompany. The Brazilian winger, who enjoyed a productive season with Betis scoring eight goals and providing six assists in La Liga, revealed the extent of Bayern’s pursuit in an interview with BILD.
According to Antony, Kompany personally contacted him to discuss a potential transfer to the Allianz Arena. He described the interest as a “huge honour,” expressing his respect for both Bayern Munich and the Belgian manager, whom he admires greatly. The personal call from Kompany, he stated, is a significant gesture for any player to receive.
However, Antony ultimately decided to join Real Betis, citing personal reasons as the driving force behind his decision. He explained that he was navigating a challenging period in his life and prioritized finding a club where he could rediscover happiness both on and off the pitch. The 26-year-old felt Betis offered the ideal environment to achieve this, and he remains firm in his belief that he made the right choice.
Bayern Munich eventually moved for Luis Díaz from Liverpool to bolster their attacking options, a signing that proved successful with the Colombian international scoring 25 goals across all competitions in his debut season. Díaz’s arrival helped Bayern secure further domestic honours, demonstrating their continued dominance in German football.
Antony’s career had previously included a spell at Manchester United, though he struggled to consistently establish himself as a key player before his move to Spain. His strong form with Real Betis suggests a revitalisation of his career, and a return to consistent goal contributions. The winger’s decision to prioritize personal well-being highlights a growing trend of players considering factors beyond purely footballing ambitions when choosing their next club.
