MANCHESTER UNITED target Antony has pleaded with Ajax to let him leave Old Trafford.
The Red Devils have rejected a £76million bid for the winger, with their club determined to keep hold of him.
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Antony is determined to leave AjaxCredit: Getty
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 this year, my agents came to Amsterdam to inform Ajax of my desire to leave the club to face a new challenge and that some interested clubs would arrive and with them, no doubt, a great offer
“In June this year, I interrupted my vacation and personally came to inform the managers of Ajax, including the new coach, about my desire to leave and that they should consider this possibility, because it was a project for two seasons
“During the window months, the meetings continued and I also received a proposal from Ajax to renew the contract.
“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.
After United’s latest offer, Antony felt he would surely be let go.
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And 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, arguing 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 offer ever for an Eredivisie player.
“Since February I have been insisting on this topic so that the club can rebuild the team with peace of mind.”
People need to listen to me and understand that my motivation drives me towards happiness
Anthony
Asked how he feels about Ajax amid this saga, he said: “I was very happy in Amsterdam, 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 drives me towards happiness. I need that to continue to perform at a high level. Ajax will always be in my heart.”
Asked if he had a message for Ajax fans, he concluded: “I hope Ajax fans understand me… because the future of a football player is something totally uncertain and opportunities can be unique!”
“My message is one of thanks to Ajax, the club and the fans.”
Antony enjoyed two highly successful seasons in Amsterdam under United boss Erik ten Hag.
He scored 22 goals in 79 appearances for the Dutch, winning two Eredivisie titles and a KNVB Cup.
The 22-year-old started Ajax’s first two league games this season, bagging a goal and two assists in the process.
However, he was left out of their 1-0 win against Sparta Rotterdam last week, 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.
The 49-year-old said: “Yes, my feelings are good. I understand Antony, but you play for Ajax.
“We are playing in the Champions League. I don’t think Man United are playing in the Champions League.”