In-demand Ajax star Antony has publicly reiterated his will to depart the club ahead of next week’s transfer deadline.
The name of wide-man Antony, of course, has taken its place front and centre in the media headlines once more late on Friday evening.
This comes after word was forthcoming in the media that Manchester United, long-term suitors of the Brazilian, had tabled a mammoth offer for his services.
The board at The Johan Cruyff Arena, though, remained defiant in opting to knock the proposal back:
Man Utd are weighing up whether to walk away from their protracted pursuit of Antony after Ajax reject eye-watering third bid worth £76m
✍️ @TelegraphDucker#TelegraphFootball #MUFC https://t.co/XiJEMD8WoG
— Telegraph Football (@TeleFootball) August 26, 2022
In turn, as alluded to above, Antony himself has provided his response to the news.
And it will no doubt come as a heavy blow to all associated with his current employers.
“Since February of this year, my agents came to Amsterdam to inform Ajax of my desire to leave the club to face new challenge and that some interested clubs would arrive and with them, certainly a great offer,” Antony began.
“In June of this year, I interrupted my vacation and came personally to inform the managers of Ajax, including new coach, about my wish to leave and that they should consider this possibility, because it was a project for 2 seasons”.
“During the window months, meetings continued and I also received a proposal from Ajax for contract renewal. I made it clear once again: I WANT TO LEAVE”.
“Today, in a meeting with the club, I expressed my old interest in leaving, only this time with a considerable offer on the table. Others had already arrived! Ajax refused with argument that they only have 5 days to replace me”.
“I’m not asking Ajax to release me, I’m asking Ajax to sell me with the highest bid ever for Eredivisie player. I’ve been insisting on this theme since February so that the club could rebuild the team with peace of mind”.
“I was very happy in Amsterdam, I won titles at Ajax, made friends and built part of my career, but now I REINFORCE that I am ready and full of motivation to follow my story and my dreams”.
“People need to listen to me and understand that my motivation moves me towards happiness. I need this to continue performing at a high 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 is one of gratitude for Ajax, club and fans”.
🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Brazilian star Antony answers on his future, current situation with Ajax and Man United in negotiations. 🔴 #MUFC #Ajax
📲 Exclusive interview: https://t.co/xsEOzv3EVP
Full thread with Antony’s words to follow. 🚨 pic.twitter.com/yT3KmYRUT5
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 26, 2022
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