Real Betis captain Isco joked that the club would have to start a crowdfund to ensure Antony returns from Manchester United next season after his latest impactful display in Andalusia. The Brazilian winger contributed to Betis’ comeback victory in the Seville derby on Sunday and marvelled in the joyous post-match scenes, waving a flag while on team-mate Adrian’s shoulders.
Sevilla took the lead through Ruben Vargas in the 17th minute before goals from Johnny and Cucho Hernandez, the latter assisted by Isco, completed the turnaround before half-time. Betis maintained their lead at the Benito Villamarin to record a fourth consecutive win and extend their current unbeaten run to seven games. Antony earned high praise for another of his performances since leaving United for Spain on loan in January, including from Isco.
Betis are expected to struggle to sign the 25-year-old permanently this summer due to his price tag and wages.
There has been talk of another loan deal, but it remains to be seen whether United hold out for a transfer fee to help fund Ruben Amorim‘s rebuild.
Either way, Isco has jokingly claimed Betis will need help from supporters to raise the funds to open the door to Antony’s return.
“We’ll have to crowdfund to bring him back for another year,” Isco said after his match-winning involvement in the Seville derby.
“He’s surprised us all with his humility and the way he helps us. There’s been a change since he arrived, and we have to keep doing things right.”
It’s not the first time Isco has admitted his surprise at Antony’s level in Spain after two and a half years of struggles at Old Trafford.
At the start of May, the 32-year-old said: “He is getting back to enjoying his football. He needed a change of air, and Betis has the best air there is.
“He has surprised me on a personal level and as a footballer. I’m happy that a player of his level is here at Betis.”
Antony wasn’t directly involved in a goal against Sevilla but positively impacted the clash, drawing four fouls, creating three chances and winning seven of his 11 duels.
Isco isn’t the only one raving about his exploits. The Spanish media have also shown him praise.
El Correa described him as a “rocket down the wing”, El Desmarque wrote that he was a “nuisance”, and El Pespunte raved about Antony’s work rate in Manuel Pellegrini’s side.
