Antony has disclosed that he was the subject of strong interest from Bayern Munich last summer, ultimately choosing to join Real Betis despite a personal call from then-Bayern manager Vincent Kompany. The Brazilian winger, coming off an eight-goal, six-assist season in La Liga with Betis, revealed the extent of Bayern’s pursuit in an interview with BILD.
According to Antony, Kompany personally contacted him to express his desire to bring him to the Allianz Arena. He described the interest as “a huge honour,” adding that he holds both Bayern Munich and Kompany in high regard. The personal touch from the manager, he stated, is significant for any player.
Despite the allure of a move to one of Europe’s giants, Antony opted for Real Betis, citing personal reasons as the driving force behind his decision. The 26-year-old explained that he was navigating a difficult period in his life and prioritised finding a club where he could rediscover happiness both on and off the pitch. He believes Betis provided the ideal environment for this, and maintains he has no regrets about his choice.
Antony’s arrival at Betis proved successful, as he integrated well into the team and contributed significantly to their attacking play. Bayern, meanwhile, moved for Luis Díaz from Liverpool to bolster their own attacking options. Díaz enjoyed a prolific debut season in Bavaria, scoring 25 goals across all competitions and helping Bayern secure domestic honours.
This revelation offers insight into Bayern’s transfer strategy last summer and highlights the importance of personal factors in player decisions. While Bayern found success with Díaz, Antony’s career continues to progress at Real Betis, demonstrating that sometimes the best move isn’t always the most high-profile.
