Antony has vowed to put his “body on the line” for Manchester United after completing his £85.5million move from Ajax as he revealed how life in the favelas shaped him as a player and a person.
The Brazil international signed a five-year deal until 2027, with the option for an extra year, worth around £200,000-a-week. Antony, set to make his United debut on Sunday against Arsenal, has been reunited with former Ajax team-mate Lisandro Martinez at Old Trafford.
The forward said he shares the same warrior spirit as Martinez, who made the same switch this summer, with both prepared to give their all in the pursuit of glory for United. “Martinez has his Argentinian style, we know it well,” said Antony. “I love it and it motivates me to see him play.
“I have the same personality. He knows me well and knows what I'm like. I put my body on the line – blood, sweat and tears. If I need to leave the pitch really hurting, no problem, it's my life, it's my job.”
Antony, 22, grew up in a Sao Paulo favela nicknamed “Little Hell” and said the tough experiences he lived through made him determined to reach the top in football. “I lived there until I started playing professionally at Sao Paulo,” said Antony.
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“People wouldn't believe that after seeing me on TV, I'd be going back home to the favela at full-time. I didn't have the means to leave.
"My memories are playing barefoot as I didn't have any boots, playing on the yard with my friends, from afternoon until evening. I went through a lot, a lot of difficult moments in my life. No football boots, nothing to eat, at three or four in the morning, bailing water out of my house as it had flooded.
“They were very difficult times, but I went through it all with a smile. Those moments have contributed to everything I'm now experiencing.
"I have another challenge now and I feel honoured to be here after everything I went through in the past. Today I can see it was all worth it. I’m really grateful for the support and faith shown in me by everyone here.
"I want to make history here, I hope to achieve great things with the club.”
