Antony joined Manchester United for £85m (Picture: Getty)
Manchester United star Antony says pundits only want to criticise him and have never offered ‘constructive criticism’.
The Brazilian joined United from Ajax in an £85million deal in 2022 but he’s failed to live up to the billing at Old Trafford.
Antony has failed to provide a single goal or assist this season, and started Saturday’s defeat at Newcastle on the bench.
The winger was given a leave of absence earlier in the campaign after allegations of assault in Brazil.
Antony maintains his innocence, and has complied with police in Brazil and the UK to defend himself.
And the 23-year-old says critics are too quick to criticise, with Antony saying the ‘digital court’ of social media can ‘ruin lives’.
Antony is yet to score or assist this season. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
‘Pressure has always been with us for those who play in big clubs, especially regarding United,’ Antony told the United Stand.
‘My life has always been very challenging, and I have had to go through many situations that many cannot imagine. I grew up in a hostile place, where eating, having a good house, having the internet, and access to a good education were a privilege; I would say that for us on the “favelas,” all of these were a luxury few people could have. This was a period in which I learned to deal with pressure and challenges. The pressure of life!
‘Today, I see criticism coming from former club players and other people in the media, who unreasonably express their opinions and influence thousands of fans, sometimes even when I do not play. But I’ve never seen them give constructive criticism, which will help me be a better professional. None of them have ever sent me a message to see how I am feeling, especially during this period of turbulence that I am going through. The “digital court” is ruining lives; contexts are left aside, and the truth no longer matters.
‘I am silently rebuilding myself, and I know that I will be able to be in my best physical and mental shape and overcome all these barriers and challenges that are in front of me because it has always been like this in my life; no one has ever given me anything, I have always fought hard for everything I achieved! I would like to know how these people who make these unfair and malicious criticisms fared in my place.
‘I’m 23 years old, and my life has changed radically in the last four years. It wasn’t easy to assimilate and understand all those changes. My daily battle is getting back in my best shape and performing at the highest level on the field, regaining my integrity, and having peace of mind! I advise those young players to take care of their mental side and work hard; then, things will happen naturally.’
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