Recently, Antony gave an interview to Camel Live, and the Brazilian winger talked about his idols, the Brazilian national team, and even the Ballon d'Or.
Do you think about the Brazilian national team?
Wearing the national team jersey has always been a dream, and it’s also very important. I’ve played in one World Cup, and I dream of playing in another. I train hard and will keep doing so, because returning to the national team is a dream.
Do you talk to Ancelotti?
Ancelotti communicates with everyone. He’s a really good coach and a great person. I believe things will go well.Vinícius, Martinelli, Rodrygo… the competition is fierce.There are many great players in the forward line, but it was the same when I went to the World Cup. This won’t be any different—we all have to reach the highest level. There are so many outstanding players.
But Brazil hasn’t been in good form in recent years.I think it will be different now. Ancelotti has been leading the team for three or four months, and everyone is adapting to his style. But the Brazilian national team is the greatest.
What do you think about the controversy between Vinícius and racism?
I’m 100% against racism. I don’t like these things, and my family has also experienced it…
Does this kind of thing happen in Spain?I think it happens everywhere. What happened to Vinícius also happened here, and everyone saw it.
Which players are role models for your career?
Ronaldinho and Neymar are my role models… Later, I also played with Cristiano Ronaldo, and I also really like Messi.
You have some similarities with Cristiano Ronaldo…I don’t know. There are things about him that I learn from. I played with him and learned a lot. He’s one of the best players, just like Messi, and he’s won many Ballons d'Or. But Neymar is the most talented player I’ve ever seen.
You’re only 25—have you thought about the Ballon d'Or?
It’s the result of a lifetime of efforts. I haven’t thought about the Ballon d'Or yet. What I’m thinking about is maintaining good form and keeping my feet on the ground. But it’s not impossible—you have to dare to dream.
Do you think people will see the best Antony at Betis?
I still have a lot to improve on. I’m a very hardworking person, and I want to give 100%. The best version of myself will come, and it’s for competing with Betis at the top of the standings.
The team is in the Champions League spot now.This is a dream, and it was last season too. But there are still many games left—it’s only the beginning. We have to keep getting points.
Is the team better than last season?
I feel like it is. I think we’re more prepared this year, so I believe we’re better.
And what about Isco?
I talked to Isco last week. When I was in England, he sent me a message saying he was waiting for me. Now I’m telling him I’m waiting for him. We all know how important he is—as a captain, as a player, in every way. I hope he comes back soon.
Is the Europa League a target?
We have to fight for every competition we participate in, but we can’t just talk about winning all the trophies. We have to stay humble and keep working hard.
Pablo García stands out—what do you think of him?He has huge potential. I chat with him sometimes, and he deserves more opportunities because he trains extremely hard and has performed really well both with the national team and here. I talk to him whenever I get the chance. Betis’ youth academy has many players with great potential, though we need to be patient with them.
Do you think that €95 million transfer fee was a burden in your career?
No. I also take responsibility for some of the things that happened. There are things people don’t know about or see. I didn’t only have bad moments in Manchester—I also had good times, and I won a trophy. It’s just an experience in my life.
Are you a better version of yourself now?
I feel much more prepared. The bad things I went through at United made my mindset much stronger. Now I focus more on mental adjustment, because I know that when my mind is clear, things will go smoothly.
