As the saying goes, aim for the moon and if you miss, you end up in the stars, so you have to give the 22-year-old credit for his ambitions. He had a rocky start, but with perseverance and grit, he’s well on his way, having seen success with Ajax before moving to Old Trafford. While some criticized his showboating in the Europa League, it’s all part of Antony’s Brazilian package, which includes the support of one of his compatriots and icons, Neymar. He doesn’t need the confidence boost, but he’ll take it nevertheless.
So far, the world has witnessed a spectacular introduction to a potential future superstar. But what about the man in the background? That’s what we wanted to learn more about when we chatted with the PUMA man recently, as we discussed his roots in the game, his idols, and what it was like to arrive at Old Trafford, among other things.
What encouraged you to become a football player as a child?
My brother was my greatest motivation. I believe it all started with him, as he was the one who drove me to the pitches. He was the one who gave me my first football. I kicked the ball with him first. I’d always like it, but my friendship with him fueled my enthusiasm for it. Everything comes from my brother and family.
Have those early recollections actually stuck with you?
Football had been with me since I was a baby. Since the day I was born. It’s a true love for me, and I’ll never forget the pitches where we used to play. They are pleasant recollections.
You’ve arrived in England and taken the stage, but how would you define yourself in five words to those who don’t know you?
I’d say humility and perseverance…I’m a stickler for details. Strong. A warrior. And…just one more…I’m committed. There are many words that I and others could use to define me, but those are for me, what I strive to be as a person.
Tell us something no one knows about you…
There’s a lot of personal information that few people are aware of, but I believe this is one of them…My mother or I may have perished when I was born, and no one knows. I was also two months premature. Few individuals are aware of this. We all have stories to tell. That is something personal about me that few people are aware of.
That drive has to be intense to get to this level. What drives you to strive for excellence every day?
First and foremost, I consider myself to be a highly motivated individual. I’ve always been a hard worker. Seeing my son and the way he looks at me is one of the things that motivates me more and more. Seeing him and imagining his future is the most motivating factor for me. He is my most powerful inspiration in life.
What else do you wish to accomplish?
I have a lot of goals I wish to achieve. I’m only 22 years old, yet I have a lot of hopes and goals. I have a lot of goals I wish to achieve. I have to say it out loud because I have great dreams and feel I can achieve them; I want it on record that one day I will be the best player in the world.
What do you think of Puma’s latest ad, ‘Generation Fearless’? What are you scared of?
I have no fear of anything. It’s the ideal campaign for me. [laughs]
What did you picture your life would be like in England before you moved here? What did you envision or dream it would be like?
I’ve always wanted to play in the Premier League. It was a very wonderful time for me when everything came together for me to come to England because it was something I had always wanted to do. I’m still getting to know the city and the sites here, but I’m confident that soon I’ll know it all and have something to say about it.
You mentioned you’ve wanted to play in the Premier League since you were a child…Tell us about it.
I always watched it, and now I’m living my dream even more with a team as large as United. It’s a fantasy come true.
Many people look up to you these days; you are many people’s idols. Who were your childhood role models?
First and foremost, I am honored to be an inspiration to certain children. It genuinely moves me and inspires me. As a child, I used to watch Ronaldinho Gacho a lot – the way he dribbled, his skills, he was someone I admired and respected.
When you arrived to United, there was a groundswell of support for you. How did it feel to be so warmly welcomed?
First and foremost, I felt grateful and overjoyed to be given this opportunity. Thank you to everyone who came out to greet me. Especially the manner in which they accomplished it. So, when I get onto the pitch, I give it my all for all of those people.
What do you feel when you score a goal, physically, how does that feel?
That is what you enjoy, adrenaline, how do you feel when the ball enters the net? Not only do I receive a surge of emotions when I score. What inspires me just coming onto the pitch is remembering where I’m from, what I’ve been through, and seeing friends who used to watch TV with me now watching me play on TV.
What is your favorite aspect of football?
What I enjoy most about football…It has to be the joy, the entire sensation of football. It’s a game that means so much to all of us, so the energy, the environment, the people on the sidelines, everything we love has to be the thing for players.
How did you feel the first time you set foot in one of the world’s most iconic stadiums, Old Trafford?
It felt like an accomplishment because it’s such a historic stadium with so many icons and stars who have played there. So, to be able to play there today and wear the United jersey is incredibly satisfying for me. So I’m hoping to play more and more at the stadium and make history..
I want it on record that one day I’m going to be the world’s best player.”
