One of Manchester United's newest stars has opened up about his difficult upbringing, revealing that he lived in a dangerous and drug-infested area of Brazil.
Former Ajax Amsterdam winger Antony has explained how he escaped the challenges of growing up in the favelas of Sao Paulo to eventually become an £85 million (R1.6 billion) footballer.
The Brazilian has had a rapid rise to the top, having only arrived in Europe in 2020 when he joined Ajax Amsterdam from Sao Paulo.
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Just two years on, at the age of 22, the skilful attacker became the Red Devils' second most-expensive signing of all time, trailing behind only Paul Pogba's £89 million (R1.7 billion) arrival from Juventus in 2016.
While Antony is now one of the most exciting talents in Europe, the road has not been without hurdles.
"I didn't have boots to play football. I didn't have a bedroom, I slept on the sofa," he told Sky Sports.
"I lived right in the middle of the favela. Twenty yards from my house were drug dealers.
"There were moments my brother, sister and I would cry and hug each other thinking about our lives.
"There were times when we were bailing water out of our flooded house, but we'd still do it with a smile on our faces."
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Antony has already made his mark at Old Trafford, having netted just 35 minutes into his debut against Arsenal in the Premier League.
His rapid rise has also seen him earn nine caps for the Selecao so far, after making his national team debut in October 2021.
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