During the international match day, Anthony accepted an interview with "AS", in which Anthony talked about his experience at Manchester United and Betis.
How does it feel to return to Betis?
Anthony: I'm happy to be back, it's the decision I wanted and it's the decision my wife wanted.
It's been a rough summer.
Anthony: It's really hard, but whenever I go through something similar, I always think of the toughest moments in the ghetto, and you have to persevere. I was just doing my best to prepare for this moment.
Have you ever thought that you might not come?
Anthony: I have indeed thought about it, but of course I am worried about not being able to come here. This is the club I wanted to join and no matter how hard it was, I ended up here and I'm very happy.
You often talk about your past and your experiences in the ghetto, what does this mean for your career?
Anthony: I always bring this up because I experienced so much there. I learned a lot. My sneakers will always have "Ghetto" written on them. This is my mark. Only my family and I know the hardships we experienced in the ghettos. When I go back to visit friends during the holidays, it's like an energy refueling station. Being there makes me feel like Anthony in my childhood. This connection is something I never want to let go of.
When did you decide that Betis belonged?
Anthony: I was very happy when I first came here and felt like I wanted to stay in Seville. Even if I only stayed for four or five months, I felt like I belonged from day one. Betis is always my first choice.
I received many invitations from other clubs in the summer. Bayern...
Anthony: There are indeed good proposals, but most of them are just verbal discussions rather than substantive offers. I know how important it is for me to stay at Betis.
What about Atletico Madrid?
Anthony: Atletico Madrid, like other clubs, has stopped at the negotiation stage. I ended up signing the contract officially offered by Betis, which was exactly what I wanted, as offers from other clubs failed to move forward.
Does Betis promise to fight for the transfer with all its strength?
Anthony: I know Betis will do his best. I am very grateful to everyone, Ramon, Alvaro, Manu... they have worked hard to get me here. I know the club is giving me 100 per cent.
Stayed in the hotel for 40 days...
Anthony: Hold on...During those days, I only fought for myself, and I had to stay in good condition. At that time, I was accompanied by my father and friends such as Cunha who played for Manchester United. Now I feel stronger and some things are in the past.
What did they say to you?
Anthony: Cunha hoped that I could fight alongside him, but the situation was already very difficult at that time. I have a deep affection for him.
Where's Amorim?
Anthony: I didn’t have much communication with Amorim. He decided to let me train alone. I must respect this decision. Now I am in good condition and insist on self-management even if I train separately. Three months later I played 90 minutes, which was the reward for my hard work.
How much influence did Pellegrini have on you staying on the team?
Anthony: All the players have a good relationship with Pellegrini. He is a great coach and we all know his resume. He is like a father to everyone, and it is important to have such a coach who is willing to communicate with everyone. When a coach is so close to us, we are bound to do our best for him on the court. He deserves it all.
His contract expires this summer,
Anthony: This is the decision of the club and the coach. We hope he stays, but it is ultimately their decision. We don’t discuss this topic in the locker room, we are becoming more and more united, like a family. Everything else is up to them.
Anthony in Triana, there is even a proposal to name a street after you in the future.
Anthony: I am grateful for all the love Triana District has given me. My debut ceremony was a very special day. I will definitely go back again. street? I haven't heard about it, but I appreciate all the love.
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