Antony's story of overcoming difficulties: "I was born at seven months old. The doctors said it was either me or my mom who would die."

Antony 's arrival has catapulted Betis to the point where they're dreaming of reaching the Conference League final, and has also helped the Brazilian rediscover his best form and return to the footballer who amazed Europe before joining Manchester United . But this isn't the first time the Betis number 7 has been forced to overcome adversity , as he himself has revealed.

"I was always a very persistent child, always believing in my dream. It was already difficult when I was born, at seven months old ," Jorge Valdano explained during his visit to Movistar+'s Universo Valdano . " The doctors said it was either me or my mom that would die ."

"Thank God we're both fine. The difficulties began when I was born ," insisted the Brazilian forward, who, during his meeting with the Argentine, confessed to being "very happy" at the Benito Villamarín. "If I'm happy, things will turn out well," he expressed.

Antony also spoke about his time at Manchester United, acknowledging that he experienced "some very good things, like the first two years playing a lot and winning two titles, and some very bad ones." "I went through difficult times that people didn't understand," he added.

"When they pay you so much and a high salary, they don't accept that you don't perform. I'm 25 years old, but I have a lot of history behind me, with many difficulties overcome and also triumphs. Thanks to having gone through that, I'm the person and the player I am today. I have my feet on the ground, so I take criticism more seriously than praise ," he emphasized.

At Betis, he insisted, he has managed to smile again: " When I'm this happy, everything goes well for me . I like to score, assist, but, above all, I like to feel good."