Manchester United forward Antony has offered a heartfelt insight into the difficulties he faced growing up in Brazil, travelling to Europe and ultimately finding himself at Old Trafford.
The Brazil international has struggled to live up to his huge transfer fee, after joining United in 2022 from Ajax in an £82m ($104m) deal, as the club's second most expensive transfer behind Paul Pogba.
Five Premier League goals across two seasons, alongside a club imposed leave of absence, following domestic abuse allegations last season, has demonstrated a picture of unfulfilled talent in Manchester.
MORE: All the latest Man Utd news | Premier League schedule for 2024/25 | Latest Premier League top scorer rankings
Ahead of the incoming Premier League season, the 24-year-old has spoken about his roots in Brazil and how his childhood has shaped the player he has become.
"It's difficult for me to talk about my background", as per quotes carried by BBC Sport.
There were times when I didn't have boots to play football in, times when there wasn't enough to eat. I didn't have a bedroom, I slept on the sofa in the living room. My house would flood when it rained heavily.
"It's not by chance. I have the favela where I grew up tattooed across my back and I always play with 'favela' written on my boots. The favela is always with me.
"I'll never let anyone else write my story or let people put me down as I genuinely know what it's like to be at the bottom."
The money generated by Antony's career has enabled his family to move out of the area, but the winger confirmed he revisits his old neighborhood regularly, as a tool to remind him of how far he has come.
"You come from nothing and now have practically everything with such ease, it's difficult to deal with all of this," Antony added.
With an eye on a crunch year on the horizon at United, Antony did not shy away from how his form has slipped way below what was expected by the club, but he issued a firm message to the Red Devils fans.
"I demand a lot of myself and obviously I was not satisfied with last season. A lot happened in my personal life. Like it or not, everything had an effect on the pitch.
"I know what I need to do. Rest assured, you'll hear the name Antony this season in relation to goals and assists."
United kickoff the the new Premier League season at home to Fulham on August 16.
