Former Manchester United winger Antony has opened up about his time alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at Old Trafford, revealing a moment of embarrassment during their six-month stint together. The current Real Betis star shared how Ronaldo, now 40, once caught him off guard with a question about his physique in the sauna.
Antony recalled that Ronaldo playfully asked if he looked like a 23-year-old, leaving the Brazilian feeling self-conscious. ‘I was embarrassed,’ Antony admitted, as he compared his own physique to the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s incredible condition, even at an advanced age. He described Ronaldo as a role model who inspires everyone with his dedication.
The pair often engaged in conversations beyond football, with Ronaldo steering discussions toward literature and life. Antony emphasized that these talks helped him disconnect from the pressures of the sport. ‘He would say, “Today we’re not discussing football.” That allowed us to explore other important matters,’ Antony explained.
Despite their limited time together—only seven appearances—Antony valued the lessons learned from the Portuguese legend. However, Antony’s own spell at Manchester United was largely disappointing. The £86 million signing made 96 appearances, scoring just 12 goals and providing five assists, marking him as one of the Premier League’s biggest flops.
After leaving United, Antony revitalized his career at Real Betis, where he has netted 22 goals and provided 14 assists in 67 matches. His reflections on Ronaldo highlight the profound impact the veteran had on him, both on and off the pitch.