SPAIN legend Joaquin is prepared to “KIDNAP” Antony to stop the winger from returning to Manchester United.
The Brazilian’s sensational half-volley secured a 2-1 win over Fiorentina in the first leg of their Europa Conference League semi-final.
Spain and Real Betis legend Joaquin joked about kidnapping Antony
GettyIt comes after Antony’s belter secured a narrow 2-1 win over Fiorentina[/caption]
After picking up the ball outside the 18-yard box, Antony initially failed to get a long-range effort away on his favoured left foot.
But he showed rapid reactions and excellent precision to smash the ball into the top corner with his right foot on the follow-up – which flew past his former Old Trafford team-mate David de Gea.
The Brazil winger added to a thunderbolt opener from Abde Ezzalzouli to double the Betis’ lead.
It marked his 10th goal contribution for the LaLiga outfit in what has been an incredible loan spell since he left Man Utd in January.
Luca Ranieri gave Fiorentina hope for the return leg in Italy by slamming a 73rd-minute reply.
Antony‘s future in Seville is up in the air, with United rejecting a £25m season-long loan deal for next term, preferring a permanent sale instead.
But Betis legend Joaquin has urged his former side to do everything they can to keep the 25-year-old.
The 43-year-old joked: “I’ll provide the car if he has to be kidnapped, but let him stay no matter what.
RexAntony has been a huge hit with his Betis team-mates[/caption]
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS
“This is the moment to enjoy. I think important moments will come, and we’ll see later.”
Antony‘s strike took his tally to six goals and four assists across 19 appearances for Manuel Pellegrini‘s side since joining in January.
His influence has been a major factor in Betis’ push for European football, as the club currently sit sixth in the table.
It comes as his parent club enjoyed a memorable night of their own, with United running out 3-0 winners against Betis’ LaLiga rivals Athletic Bilbao.
Antony was, however, given a straight red in Betis’ 2-1 win over Getafe in February, before it was overturned by the Spanish Football Federation.
Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
