Antony believes words cannot describe Cristiano Ronaldo after hailing the Portugal icon and what he has learnt from the forward at Manchester United since joining the club from Ajax.
Antony praises ‘extraordinary’ Manchester United teammate Cristiano Ronaldo
New Manchester United winger Antony has told the Red Devils’ official club website that he is learning a lot from Cristiano Ronaldo as the Old Trafford hero has an ‘extraordinary mind’.
Erik ten Hag broke out the chequebook to bring Antony to the Premier League on deadline day last week. Manchester United ended a summer of speculation linking the Brazilian with a move to England by agreeing an initial £81.5m fee with Ajax, rising £4.25m after add-ons.
The Red Devils boss also managed to retain Ronaldo for a second term back at Old Trafford following his return in August 2021. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer agreed an upfront £13m fee with Juventus for the 37-year-old, with add-ons taking the figure to £20m on a two-year contract.
Ronaldo marked his return to the Premier League by ending last season third in the Golden Boot race with 18 goals, plus three assists, in 30 games. He also scored six over seven games in the Champions League, having scored during each of his appearances through Group F.
Antony, meanwhile, was putting his case together for a future in the Premier League under Ten Hag at Ajax last term. The 22-year-old scored 12 times and laid on 10 assists during his 33 appearances – including two goals and four assists in seven Champions League outings.
Attacking talent at Old Trafford has left early impression on summer signing
Antony has already brought his attacking threat to the Premier League after scoring once on his Manchester United debut at home to Arsenal. Now, the nine-cap international believes the future is very bright at Old Trafford as part of the strong attacking group under Ten Hag.
The talent on display in the Manchester United squad has impressed Antony – none more so than Ronaldo. He firmly believes the five-time Ballon d’Or winner remains the best player in the world, so is keen to now soak up as much as he can from the 189-cap Portugal attacker.
“I’ve come to help my teammates,” Antony said. “Regardless of age, there’s immense talent in all the players.
“Words can’t describe Cristiano, the best in the world. In just a few days, I’ve learnt a lot from him. He has an extraordinary mind and whenever I talk to him, I take a lot from it.
“I’m sure that we have a strong attack and it’s very promising for the future.”