Last summer, Bayern Munich’s search for attacking reinforcements led them to Antony, and the Brazilian has now opened up about just how close the Bundesliga giants came to signing him.
Speaking to Bild journalist Michel Schröer (as captured by @iMiaSanMia), Antony revealed that Bayern’s interest was very real and that head coach Vincent Kompany personally reached out to him during the transfer window.
“It was, of course, a huge honor. I have great respect for Bayern Munich and for Vincent Kompany as well. He’s a coach I admire greatly. When a club like Bayern shows interest in you and the manager personally calls you, it means a lot to any player,” Antony said.
Those comments underline the appeal Bayern Munich continue to have on the global stage. Even after a difficult spell at Manchester United, Antony viewed interest from the German champions as a significant vote of confidence. A personal phone call from Kompany also highlights how involved Bayern’s manager was in trying to convince the winger to make the move to Munich.
In the end, however, Antony chose a different path.
Rather than joining one of Europe’s biggest clubs, he opted for Real Betis, prioritizing his personal well-being over what many would have considered the more glamorous move.
Explaining his decision, Antony said that family played a big role.
“It was a decision I made together with my family. At that point, I was going through a difficult period in my life and needed a place where I could be happy again – not only as a footballer, but also as a person. I felt that Real Betis was exactly the right club for me. That’s why I don’t regret that decision at all.”
It is a refreshingly honest explanation in an era when transfer decisions are often framed solely around trophies or salaries. Antony made it clear that finding the right environment for his mental and personal well-being was the priority, and he believes Betis provided exactly that.
For Bayern Munich, it is another reminder that not every transfer comes down to sporting ambition. Even one of the biggest clubs in the world cannot always compete with a player’s personal circumstances.
Looking back, Bayern eventually moved in other directions, while Antony found the fresh start he was seeking in Spain. His comments also offer an interesting glimpse into Kompany’s recruitment approach, showing a manager willing to personally connect with transfer targets in an effort to sell his vision for the club.
In the end, it was a transfer that never happened, but one that could have significantly altered the trajectory of both Antony’s career and Bayern Munich’s squad.
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