Manchester United summer signing Antony says the move to Old Trafford will benefit Brazil and his own World Cup prospects.
Despite already being a regular in Brazil’s squad, Antony says the move to Manchester United will make him sharper, and a more dangerous player for his country.
Antony clinched a move to United on transfer deadline day for £81 million, ending a summer of speculation by finally landing his dream transfer.
He is currently training with the Brazil squad ahead of their fixtures with Ghana and Tunisia over the upcoming international break.
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Manchester United move has boosted his World Cup chances
Antony told Brazilian outlet Globo he is convinced his development as a player will be helped by playing in the Premier League.
He said: “I am very happy to be at Manchester today, it does have a weight, because of the Premier League, everyone knew it would be a more difficult challenge.
“Being in a league where the best are going to be [is] very important to play in the World Cup.”
He added that he is confident he can rise to the challenge, commenting: “Every time I have new challenges I remember everything I’ve been through. I knew how difficult it would be, to change countries, change leagues, but whenever I think about everything I’ve been through, it motivates me to be able to pursue my career.”
Antony talks up Neymar
Antony has spent some time raving about Cristiano Ronaldo since joining Manchester United, telling the club website he is keen to learn as much as he possibly can from the superstar.
At international level his reference point in PSG star Neymar, and he says he has always been welcomed by the forward when playing for the Selecao.
He said: “For us youngsters it’s very good, a guy who is a leader, gives that confidence to all the players. I’ve been saying this since my first call-up, he came to me and told me to show all my football, so it’s very important to be working with him.”