. I am especially grateful to my family for every piece of advice they have given me, for every heart-to-heart talk they have given me, and for helping me see the bright side of things in every difficult moment. The result is what we hoped for. I am...
You often mentioned off-court turmoil. Did you have any problems with your diet or other aspects during that time?
Anthony: "No, I think it was mainly because of those accusations. I mention this because it really affected me. I have a family, a wife, and children, and whether I want to admit it or not, it would be a lie to say it didn’t affect me, it definitely did. Because of this incident, I was excluded from the national team and could not participate in training. My innocence was later proven. So it was a really hard time for me.
"Not only me, but my family has also endured a lot. Thank you to God and to my family. They never gave up on me and always tried to help me see the bright side of things. I also want to thank my children, because every time I see them, I know that I have to persevere - everything I do is for them."
Putting aside external factors, your last period at Manchester United, your cooperation with Amorim did not go well. You said before that you felt disrespected by having to train alone before being sold to Betis. Can you talk to us about this?
Anthony: "Yes, when I say I feel disrespected, I even include the attitude of some people who don't understand the situation. I'm not a person who likes to get involved in controversy or name names, but that time was really difficult, not just a little difficult, but very difficult. I didn't participate in the preseason and had to transfer to another club. Thank God, I have been paying attention to keeping fit. After arriving at Betis, I was able to play 90 minutes in the first game. You know, I haven’t played in a formal game for three or four months. The club’s first team trains in the morning, but I have to train alone at 5 o’clock in the afternoon, which is really uncomfortable.
“Yes, I do feel a bit disrespected, but this is also part of my career. I hold no grudge and I don’t blame anyone there. This experience taught me a lot about how to respond wisely when faced with similar situations, because this is life and part of the growing process. In fact, I am also very grateful to Manchester United, because not only did I have bad memories there, I also had a very happy time and met many good partners. Now I am at Betis. Manchester United is just an experience in my career, and it is a good experience. I am very happy to come to Betis. "
Your turning dribbling is very popular in Spain. Growing up, how did you learn to overcome those difficulties?
Anthony: "First of all, I can overcome difficulties only with the blessing of God and the support of my family. There is also my persistence. I am very grateful to God and my parents for their education and training. You know, it’s really not easy to raise three children in a slum and keep them from making detours. Anyone who has lived in a slum knows what the reality is like there, and knows what so-called ‘shortcuts’ can lead to destruction.
"My persistence has also helped me a lot. I have been a child who refused to admit defeat since I was a child (laughing), but I will always face difficulties. For example: when I was a child, I played football with my friends in the slums. Even if I lost or suffered a setback, I would pick myself up and continue working hard. So this perseverance also helps It has taught me a lot, allowing me to enter the Brazilian national team, land in Europe, and get to where I am today. I think that in addition to the training of my family, the wisdom and perseverance I have are the most critical.”
We started this interview with the topic of slums, and let’s end it with it. What does it mean to you?
Anthony: "The slums are a place that I love deeply. I want to make it clear to you and everyone here that I will always love it and always keep it in my heart. It taught me a lot and represents me best, because I know what it is like to live there and the hardships involved. Whenever someone from the slums achieves something, I feel that it is mine too. Achievement, because I understand how difficult it is. And the slums give me endless motivation, motivating me to run harder every day, constantly improve my performance, and strive to score goals and assists every day, because in the end, I am representing all of them.
"This motivation comes from them, so I put the name of the slums on my sneakers. This is not accidental." I really love that place and will remember it for the rest of my life. Every time I have a vacation, I will try to go back and have a look, because for me, that is my source of motivation. When I go back there, I can see myself as a child and look back on my current achievements, all of which stem from everything I experienced there. So, my motivation is to look at them and always remember that wherever I go, I'm representing all of them. "
