Recently, Betis forward Anthony gave an exclusive interview to Camel Live.
We saw you shed tears after missing the derby against Seville. Were they tears of anger, helplessness...?
Well, for me, this is one of the most important games of the year. Due to an unintentional action, things were a bit tough... but it’s all in the past. The most important thing is that we participated in the derby and won a difficult match. I always say that whether on or off the pitch, I want to be with my teammates and stay united as one, because this is very important.
In that sense, you didn’t want to miss that game at the rival’s stadium. You played there with Man Utd before, but this time it must have been different, right?
Yes, absolutely. Playing there with Man Utd is very different from playing in the derby. From the first day I arrived here, the fans and everyone at the club have helped me a lot. Standing alongside my teammates in the derby, even if I couldn’t play, I knew watching from the sidelines was also a form of participation. I know it’s important – Bartra said to me in the dressing room, "Brother, being here matters," and I know that too. I’m proud to be part of this team.
We also saw you in tears during the award ceremony after the Europa Conference League final against Chelsea in May. Has football made you cry many times?
Yes, of course. I’m an emotional person. That season with Betis, we reached the final... We knew facing Chelsea would be a very difficult game, but of course we cried after the match – I wanted to win the championship. But that’s part of football. As I said, I’m very proud of the whole team. Every day here has been incredible, and we deserve a lot.
Both times were tears of sorrow. Do you remember crying tears of joy?
Yes, many times too. I’ve cried tears of joy quite a lot. I know what I went through as a child, so I think about my family’s life and everything I’ve experienced. Of course I cry for joy, and I will keep crying.
When you look back on your childhood, thinking of yourself as a kid with a football in Brazil, what memories come to mind?
I have many memories. When I didn’t have football boots, I went through a lot of hard times with my brothers and parents in the favela... Today, looking back, I’m proud of myself as a person and as a father. I always think about the favela – it’s a very special place for me. Whenever I get the chance during holidays, I must go back and reconnect with my roots.
I remember not having football boots as a child and what happened in the favela... Today, looking back, I’m proud of myself as a person and as a father.
You always played football on the streets as a kid, but you were also a talented futsal player, right?
Yes, I remember because I loved futsal so much. I played whenever I got the chance, I’ve always loved it very much – my brother too. Futsal will always be with me until the end of my life.
São Paulo noticed you when you were just 10 years old and invited you to join their youth academy. When did you feel that football might be your path to a better life?
At first, when I was very young, I just wanted to have fun playing. But as time went on, I saw that some responsibilities increased. I persisted, even though life in the favela wasn’t easy. I’m also very grateful to my family – they’ve always supported me a lot.
Your career in Brazil was thriving. You made your debut for São Paulo at the end of 2018, and just a year and a half later, you had already reached a transfer agreement with Ajax. How did you feel about the upcoming changes in your life?
It was a bit hard, yes. But the hardest part about going to Ajax for me was having to leave my family for two or three months – I missed my child’s first steps. But well, sometimes you have to make sacrifices. I know my child is very proud of me, but it was really hard, yes. Leaving Brazil, leaving your country, a different culture... but it’s something I had to do.
The hardest part at Ajax was leaving my family for three months and missing my child’s first steps, but sometimes you have to make sacrifices.
In Amsterdam, you emerged as a footballer, becoming one of the world’s well-known players and young talents. What did the club and the country teach you?
I spent two very good years there – it’s a great city. The club is too. I really like this club because I had two good seasons there and learned a lot. When I have holidays, even if it’s just three or four days, I try to go there.
Suddenly, you became a player with a transfer fee of nearly €100m, which allowed you to join the Premier League. How do you handle this responsibility? Is it extra pressure?
No, no, of course not. It’s true that when someone pays €100m for you, the pressure is much greater, but I know my abilities. If Man Utd paid €100m, it’s because I have the ability. I don’t look at that €100m – I look at the story I went through to reach that moment. I always keep a clear mind because that’s the most important thing.
