“I lie down and I wake up smiling“. With that confession he receives ANTONY MATHEUS DOS SANTOS a Jorge Valdanowhich has made him the protagonist of the last episode of his ‘Vamos’ program (Movistar Plus) ‘Universe Valdano’, where he remembered for the umpteenth time his humble origins in a favela of Brazilemphasizing that he lived in a small house, where he slept in the sofa. It had a very bad time with the separation of their parents to 10 yearsthat affected him so much that he took an entire course from the school, although he admits between laughs that “I wasn’t a good student“. To the 12 years He started in him São Paulo. “People always talked about me being different To the boys of my age for the form of check The ball. It was always my dream Be a footballer to get my family forward. To the 11 years I told them that the day would come when I would work so that they did not have to do it. There were days when I had no time to eat before training, “adds the end.
Anyway, to 14 He was about to be discarded up to three occasions, because “I wasn’t playing“, although he overcame it”with persistence And the help of God and the family “. So much that to the 20 years He was transferred by 16 million euros al Ajaxwhere the beginnings were hard: “It was the time of Covid And I spent three months alone, without seeing my son grow, but soon he and my wife arrived. Besides, David Neres I was in Amsterdamthat he is already one of my best friends, and a Brazilian physical trainer who helped me adapt. Had a closed agreement and almost signed with the Borussia Dortmundbut I preferred the Ajax For your style of play. And those two years confirmed that I made the best decision, “says the left -handed overwhelmed for the 95+5 million who paid him Manchester United For him: “I know that the more money they put, the more responsibility there is. But I never looked at the numbers, because I supposed it was the price for me talent. I wanted a new challenge and the proposal was good for everyone. “
On his Mancuniana stage, the attacker was honest: “I arrived at a very grande And with a coach who knew me, but I have lived very good things, like the first two years playing a lot and with two titles, and others very bad. I went through difficult personal moments that people did not understand. When they pay so much for you and a high salary, they do not accept that there is no performance. Have 25 yearsbut with a lot of history behind, with many difficulties overcome and also triumphs. Thanks to what I went through that I am the person and the player of now. I have my feet on the floor, so I take the criticism than the flattery. Jesuswhat was it perfectI had criticism, soWho am I not to accept them? “And, luckily, the Real Betiswhich is your best decision long: “When I am so happy, everything goes well. I like to mark, attend, but, above all, I like being fine“.
Remembered with laughter the anger in Girona After hand in hand failed in the second part, which caused the hug of Isco Alarcón On the bench did not comfort him: “I already took it better, but I knew that scoring that goal, which was 0-4, was important. What is seen inside the field is the same outside. We had fun togetherand that is vital for the group. I really wanted to face this challenge. From the first minute, I felt at home, and that is reflected in the field. And the fans are incredible. I always knew that it was great, but what we are living is incredible. He Real Betis It is a very passionate club. I am very competitive, Even playing cards I don’t want to lose“Your goal is now”Make history with this shirt“, so it is not formed with the semifinals:” We really want to win the title, but we will keep the modesty And we will go step by step. “
One of the keys to his great moment, as Sports Stadium revealed, is the work with Fernando Silva: “In Manchester He did not have many opportunities, but he worked at the club and at home to physically arrive in the best way, also mood, Betis. Does 6-7 years that I have a personal physiotherapist that travels with me everywhere. I was in São Paulo And he came with me when I went to Ajax. We work on the stretcher, but also in the gym with recovery, balance, force… To stay at the high level, you must work hard. I’ve always been Serious and disciplined For work since childhood. “And, if everything goes well, a goal has on the horizon:” I am doing my part and working. It touches me waitbut it’s my dream Back to the Brazilian team. I was in Qatar 2022 And it’s my best memories. There was a lot of work to get there and a lot pressurewith an entire country on top. “
Finally, a review of their tattoos, from the ‘Illuminated‘In the neck to his daughter’s name (Lavine) in the neck, through the references to the favela (one shared with his brother on the left forearm, a espada On the back, a memory in his boots …). Antony revealed his admiration for other great dribbers as Ronaldinho o Neymaralthough he learned a lot from Cristiano Ronaldo also. And his love for him futsalwhich cultivates here in the Betis also. He convinced him to come with his call “A coach as Manuel Pellegriniwith his great career “, which he transmitted since he arrived”Unite enormous trust“That goes beyond the minutes:” want it to be felizwhat me funnot to do 20-30 playedsino 4-5 Important. Speak fair, but has created a great environment and a relationship fantastic With everyone. I am grateful for believing in me“.
I reminded him Jorge Valdano that both had played in the Toulon tournament And that the two will score a goal in the final “To look at international football“. Returning to the ‘Canarinha’, the end is excited with the 2026which is just around the corner, although the competition is great: “There are great players like Vinicius, Raphinha, Rodrygo, Savine… I have a lot of respect. There have always been very good extremes in Brazil. Putting on the national shirt is a craziness“. And, meanwhile, to enjoy Sevillawhere his son does dare to go out to play football. “It’s very pronto To talk about the future. I don’t know what is going to happen, but I’m very happy here. Me he Reconcentred With me, with my football. I don’t know what is going to happen, although I’m still calm. It is very loco now (referring to the fact that he has been yielded by just 1.2 million euros net of his salary), although I know the talent I have, for what I prioritized where I knew I was going to be happyalthough He had better offers“, points to finish Antonywho left as it came: with a smile.
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