Manchester United: “I learned a lot from him,” Antony reveals what went on behind the scenes with Cristiano Ronaldo
Former teammate of Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United, Antony looked back on a defining relationship, mixing life advice, conversations off the pitch, and a quirky scene that became memorable.
It’s not just the pitch that marks a career. For Antony, his time at Manchester United will also be associated with a defining encounter with Cristiano Ronaldo. The former Red Devils winger spoke about the six months spent alongside the Portuguese star during Ronaldo’s second spell at Old Trafford. A brief coexistence, but rich in lessons for the Brazilian international, now back in form at Real Betis.
In remarks reported by The People’s Person, Antony talks about a relationship that goes far beyond football. “Cristiano Ronaldo is an exceptional person; there is a lot to learn from him. He even made me a funny remark one day, saying that people perceive him as stubborn, while in daily life he is rather playful. I learned a lot from him.” Beyond the locker room, the exchanges between the two men covered a variety of topics. “He talked about life, literature and various topics outside of football. It was beneficial because it allowed me to take a step back. He used to say: “Today, we don’t talk about football.” This allowed us to explore other important topics“, continues the Brazilian.
But it was a more unusual scene that left a particularly strong mark on him. “One day, in the sauna, he showed me his physique in a playful tone and asked if I looked like I was 23. I felt a bit embarrassed, because it was obvious how much he takes care of himself, even at almost 40. He is a role model for everyone.” On the pitch, the two players were ultimately linked up only seven times. A brief spell that did not prevent Antony from drawing valuable lessons from the five-time Ballon d’Or, despite a mixed record in England. Signed for £86 million, the winger never fully lived up to expectations at Manchester United, with 12 goals and 5 assists in 96 appearances. Since then, the Brazilian seems to have regained his form in Spain. In Real Betis colors, he shows much more convincing statistics, with 22 goals and 14 assists in 67 appearances, evidence of a long-awaited revival.
