Antony has been told he was a ‘ghost’ during Real Betis’ Europa Conference League final defeat to Chelsea and must avoid returning to Manchester United this summer.
Much was expected of Antony ahead of the final in Poland following his impressive performances for the La Liga side this season.
The Brazilian flopped at Manchester United but rediscovered his form under Manuel Pellegrini, scoring nine goals and making two assists in the second-half of the season.
But Antony failed to make an impact in Real Betis’ Conference League final defeat to Chelsea as the Premier League club came from behind to win 4-1.
In fact, one of Antony’s only telling contributions came when Chelsea had stormed ahead as he clashed with Enzo Fernandez and appeared to headbutt the Argentine.
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Given his form in La Liga, Antony’s performance against Chelsea ‘disappointed’ Frank Leboeuf, who said the Brazilian was a ‘ghost’.
It remains to be seen whether Antony will return to Manchester United, complete a permanent move to Betis or go somewhere else.
But Leboeuf says he must ‘avoid’ English football altogether, urging Antony to leave Old Trafford three years after his £82m move to the club.
‘It wasn’t his night,’ Leboeuf told ESPN after Chelsea won the Conference League thanks to goals from Fernandez, Nicolas Jackson, Jadon Sancho and Moises Caicedo.
‘I don’t really follow La Liga except the big games but I thought Antony had a better change in his football.
‘Today I saw the ghost that was playing for Manchester United. The only thing he did was pick fights with Enzo Fernandez.
‘I was very disappointed with his game, I was expecting something more creative and dangerous.
‘Unfortunately for Betis we didn’t see the Antony who has been good during his loan.
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‘That guy has to avoid English football, that’s it. Don’t play against English teams and don’t play for any football club in England because it doesn’t suit him.’
Real Betis fans are desperate for Antony to extend his stay at the club but the deal is believed to be tricky given the 25-year-old’s huge salary.
Speaking after Betis were blown away in the Conference League final, manager Pellegrini said: ‘We played a great first half.
‘We scored a goal, we had a couple more clear chances, but in the second half we were affected by injuries.
‘The fans have been incredible, during the game and even after. This is what hurts us most: not being able to give them this title.
‘We have qualified for Europe next season but I have to say injuries today really caused us problems. Against a team as powerful as Chelsea, that’s always going to hurt you.
‘How do the players feel? They are devastated. We couldn’t maintain what we did in the first half.’
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