MANCHESTER UNITED target Antony has begged Ajax to let him leave for Old Trafford.
The Red Devils have had a £76million bid rejected for the winger, with his club determined to hold on to him.
But the Brazilian is determined to leave before Thursday’s transfer deadline and is trying to force his way out.
In an explosive interview with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Antony revealed all about how he has spent all summer trying to leave Amsterdam.
He said: “Since February of this year, my agents came to Amsterdam to inform Ajax of my desire to leave the club to face new a challenge and that some interested clubs would arrive and with them, certainly a great offer.
“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 two seasons.
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“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.”
SunSport exclusively revealed on Wednesday night that the Red Devils are confident of completing a move by next Thursday.
Following United’s latest bid, Antony felt that surely he would be let go.
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He added: “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 five 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 an Eredivisie player.
“I’ve been insisting on this theme since February so that the club could rebuild the team with peace of mind.”
People need to listen to me and understand that my motivation moves me towards happiness
Antony
Asked how he feels about Ajax in the midst of this saga, he said: “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.”
Quizzed if he had a message for Ajax fans, he concluded: “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.”
Antony enjoyed two extremely successful seasons in Amsterdam under United boss Erik ten Hag.
He scored 22 goals in 79 appearances under the Dutchman – winning two Eredivisie titles and a KNVB Cup.
The 22-year-old started Ajax’s first two league games of this season, grabbing a goal and two assists in the process.
He was left out for their 1-0 win against Sparta Rotterdam last week, however, after refusing to train.
When Ajax boss Alfred Schreuder was asked about Antony’s desire to move to Man United, he made a cheeky dig at the Red Devils.
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The 49-year-old said: “Yes, my feeling is good. I understand Antony, but you play for Ajax.
“We are playing Champions League football. I don’t think Man United are playing Champions League football.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
