Antony, a target for Manchester United, has publicly pleaded with his current club Ajax to allow him to join the Red Devils.
On Friday, the Dutch champions rejected a €90 million offer from United because it fell just €2 million short of their asking price. The winger, who is not currently practising with the first team, has tried to force a move by skipping workouts.
In an interview with Fabrizio Romano, Antony shared his version of this saga’s events with the world and expressed optimism that Ajax would approve of an exit.
“Since February of this year, my agents came to Amsterdam to inform Ajax of my desire to leave the club to face a new challenge, and that some of the interested clubs would arrive and with them a great offer,” the Brazilian said.
“In June of this year, I interrupted my vacation and came personally to inform the managers of Ajax, including the new coach, about my wish to leave and that they should consider this possibility. Because when I started in Amsterdam, it was a project for two seasons.
“During the window months, meetings concluded, including a proposal from Ajax for a contract renewal. I made it clear once again – ‘I want to leave the club’.
“Today, in a meeting with the club’s board of directors, I expressed my old interest in leaving the club, only this time with a considerable offer on the table. Others had already arrived [but] Ajax always refused and hinders the argument with they only have to replace [me].
“I’m not asking to release me, I’m asking Ajax to sell me as the highest bid received by a player who plays in the Eredivisie in history. I’ve been insisting on this term since February so that the club could rebuild the team with peace of mind.
“I was very happy in Amsterdam. I won titles, made friends and built a part of my career. But now I reinforce that I’m ready and full of motivations to follow my story and my dreams.
“People need to listen to me and understand my motivation moves me towards happiness. I need to continue performing at the highest level.
“Ajax will always be in my heart.
“I hope Ajax fans understand me because the future for a football player is a totally uncertain thing and the opportunities can be unique. My message [to the fans] is one of gratitude.”
