Antony’s Real Betis teammate Isco has given his honest take on the Manchester United loanee after his first month in La Liga.
Isco, 32, has resurrected his career at Betis, having previously suffered a string of injury troubles during nine years at Real Madrid between 2013 and 2022.
The Spain international won the Golden Boy award in 2012, which is usually given to the ‘best’ under-21 player in Europe.
Despite interest from Manchester City, he joined Madrid from Malaga in a deal worth around €30m back in 2012. And although he did not reach the heights expected of him in the Spanish capital, he still has 19 trophies to show for his efforts at the 15-time European champions.
But, since joining Manuel Pellegrini’s side from their city rivals, Sevilla, in 2022, he has found form, having scored four goals in 10 matches this term – although his season has been interrupted by injuries, which has been a common theme throughout his career.
Another player hoping to resurrect his career is Antony, 25, who is currently on loan at Betis from Manchester United until the end of the 2024/25 campaign.
The Brazilian winger endured a torrid time during the first half of the season in the Premier League but has registered three goals and two assists in just six games since he arrived in Andalusia in late January – one of which set up Isco against Getafe last weekend.
One negative during his short spell in La Liga came in Betis’ 2-1 win away at Getafe on February 23 when Antony was sent off.
However, this was overturned, and he is available for selection in Saturday’s clash against Los Blancos at Estadio Benito Villamarín.
The winger will no doubt be feeling a lot more positive than he did previously, but what are his teammates’ verdicts?
Well, speaking in an interview with The Athletic, Isco gave his thoughts on the winger’s first month in La Liga.
“Of course,” said Isco. “He is getting back to enjoying his football. He needed a change of air, and Betis has the best air there is.”
“The kid was feeling down [after he was sent off], as it’s never nice to leave your team down a player,” he added.
“But these things happen in football. He has surprised me, on a personal level and as a footballer. I’m happy that a player of his level is here at Betis.”
