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Antony hits back at ‘clown’ criticism after Man Utd showboating storm.
The winger for Manchester United, Antony, is sure that he won’t alter his playing approach despite being referred to as a “clown” for his antics against Sheriff.
In United’s 3-0 Europa League victory against Sheriff last month, Antony received harsh criticism for spinning with the ball in his hands. Even his manager, Erik ten Hag, reacted by shaking his head.
The Brazilian, 22, was substituted at halftime after United icon Paul Scholes called him a “clown” for his antics, but he has since responded defiantly.
Following the showboating tempest, Antony was supported by his Brazilian teammates Fred and Neymar.
Neymar posted a message on Instagram “Keep doing it and don’t make any changes! Try it, boy! bravery and excitement,” while Fred saw it as “annoying.” “Scholes and encouraged his United teammate to keep speaking up.
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Antony said in The Players’ Tribune: “With a ball at your feet, you should only feel joy. I was born a dribbler. It is part of my roots. It is the gift that took me from the slums to the Theatre of Dreams.
I will never change the way I play, because it is not a style, it is me. It is a part of me. A part of our story as Brazilians. If you just watch one 10 second clip of me, then you will not understand. Nothing I do is a joke. Everything has a purpose. To go forward with boldness, to strike fear into the opponent, to create space, to make a difference for my team.”
He added on the players he took inspiration from in his youth: “If you think I’m just a clown, then you don’t understand my story. The art of Ronaldinho and Cristiano and Neymar inspired me as a child. I watched these Gods in amazement on stolen Wifi, then I went out to the concrete pitch to try to imitate their genius.”
The winger is now a member of Brazil’s World Cup team and hopes to get the start against Serbia on November 24.