After he struck an incredible free kick against Fiorentina on Thursday night, Antony-mania took things a step further for Real Betis.
Since joining La Liga, the Manchester United winger has been the team’s finest performer while on loan at Seville.
On a pivotal night for the team, he further strengthened his reputation while United, despite having a dominating lead in the match, rattled nerves by conceding to Athletic Bilbao.
United eventually defeated Bilbao that evening, scoring three goals in the closing minutes to win 7-1 overall and secure a crucial Europa League final matchup with Tottenham at the end of the month.
Antony took a free kick from around 35 yards out for Betis, curling in with his left foot as the ball crashed in after hitting the post.
In celebration, he ran to the sideline, sank to his knees, and was embraced by the substitutes.
Once more he lowered his shirt to reveal the tattoo ‘Iluminado’, which means ‘The Chosen One’ in English.
After Real Betis’ Conference League semi-final went into extra time, the Brazilian helped set up Abde Ezzalzouli’s goal in the 97th minute to secure the Spanish team’s spot in the championship game.
After spending £86 million to sign with United, Antony only managed 12 goals and five assists in 96 games.
He has stated that he feels personal problems prevented him from performing at his best, and he is still getting better away from Old Trafford.
Again, he pulled down his shirt to expose the ‘Iluminado’ tattoo, which translates to ‘The Chosen One’ in English.
The Brazilian later set up the winner after Real Betis’ Conference League semi-final went to extra time, assisting Abde Ezzalzouli’s 97th minute strike to confirm the Spanish side’s place in the final.
Antony was signed by United for £86million before going on to register just 12 goals and five assists in 96 matches for the club.
He continues to go from strength to strength away from Old Trafford and has said he believes personal issues stopped him playing his best.
I know my value, and it’s not for nothing that I attended a World Cup and that I was sold to United for a high price.
“People focus on the here and now, but they don’t consider the bigger picture or what causes things to happen.”
“There were both good and bad times for me at United, as I mentioned before, but I could have done more and better, of course.”
He seems like a different player following his heroics against Fiorentina, which followed a spectacular stoppage time victory over the weekend.
“The future?” He recently remarked, “I’m really happy here, but it’s very early; I don’t know what’s going to happen.”
I’ve discovered that I like football. Even though I had better offers, I chose to go where I knew I would be pleased since it’s crazy right now and I know how talented I am.
With four La Liga games remaining until the season concludes, Betis is now one point outside of the top five La Liga teams that qualify for the Champions League.