Former Manchester United winger Antony finalised a dream move to Real Betis after his successful loan spell ended last summer. Bayern Munich were said to have been interested in the Brazilian, and he has now revealed why he didn't sign for the German giants when he had the opportunity.
Did Bayern Miss Out By Not Signing Antony?
Why Antony Turned Down Bayern Munich
In an exclusive interview with Michel Schröer for BILD, the Brazilian winger revealed that he rejected a move to Bayern Munich last summer, when he agreed a transfer to Real Betis following a successful loan spell the season prior.
USA TODAY Sports / REUTERSHe said of his feelings after being called personally by Vincent Kompany:
That was, of course, a great honor. I have great respect for Bayern Munich and also for Vincent Kompany. He's a coach I greatly admire. When a club like Bayern shows interest and the coach calls personally, it means a lot to a player.
And explained why he rejected the approach:
That was a decision I made together with my family. I was going through a difficult time in my life and needed a place where I could be happy again - not just as a footballer, but also as a person. I felt that Betis was exactly the right club for me. That's why I don't regret this decision at all!
Did Bayern Miss Out?
The question is, did Bayern miss out by not securing the services of the former Manchester United star?
The answer is a resounding no.
![Luis Diaz in action against Switzerland during the World Cup Round of 16 [ IMAGN IMAGES / REUTERS ]](https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/41189370-90b3-4e22-980f-49ef6e616bd6.jpeg)
Luis Diaz in action against Switzerland during the World Cup Round of 16 [ IMAGN IMAGES / REUTERS ]The failure to persuade Antony last summer eventually led to the signing of Luis Diaz from Liverpool FC. The Colombian winger has had a superb debut season for Bayern, scoring 15 goals and securing 17 assists in the Bundesliga.
And that's not to mention his seven goals and four assists during Bayern's Champions League campaign, where they gave PSG a close run in a thrilling semi-final clash.
Diaz has built on his previous reputation at Liverpool and is widely considered one of the best left wingers in the world. He has done this by becoming the perfect foil to his teammates Harry Kane and Michael Olise - helping them achieve record-breaking goal-scoring and assist-making seasons, respectively.
Bayern will have no regrets with how last summer's business transpired, and evidently neither does Antony. And that makes sense, with eight goals and six assists in LaLiga, as well as six and three in the Europa League, Antony has begun to recapture the form that led Manchester United to spend nearly 100 million euros on him in 2022.
Author's Verdict: No Regrets
In a somewhat unique outcome for a transfer saga in modern football, this one leaves none of its participants with any regrets. Antony is obviously happy having signed for Real Betis, and this is evident in his improved performances compared to his time at Manchester United.
Furthermore, at only 26, Antony could still have another big move in his future - especially if he continues with his current performances. Perhaps he remains a long-term target for Bayern...
That does not mean the German giants have any regrets, however. Luis Diaz, signed in lieu of Antony, is on an awesome trajectory at Bayern - and could soon be described as a legend of Die Roten.
Follow The Transfer Room on: X
