MANCHESTER UNITED flop Antony celebrated wildly as he helped Real Betis make it six league wins in a row.
The Brazilian joined the Spanish side on loan during the winter transfer window.
After failing to impress across two-and-a-half years at Man Utd following an £86million move from Ajax, Antony has found a new lease of life with Real.
The 25-year-old has scored four goals and assisted four in 12 games.
His performances have earned him widespread praise.
But after playing the full match in a 2-1 win over Sevilla to ensure his side won the Seville derby, it was what he did after the game which really caught the eye.
As fans celebrated a sixth La Liga win on the bounce by staying behind at the Villamarin Stadium, Antony was seen waving the club’s flag around.
The winger had taken his top off while doing so.
Later on he was lifted up by goalkeeper Adrian, who joined the club for free last summer after leaving Liverpool.
Speaking after the game, Antony’s team-mate Isco urged the club to do all they could to land him and even joked they should do some “crowdfunding”.
The former Real Madrid star said: “We need to do crowdfunding or something so that Antony can stay at least one more year.
“He has surprised us with the humility he’s brought.”
Fans reacting to Antony’s topless flag waving on social media said: “I’m crying with Antony, this guy… I hope he stays at Betis.”
A second said: “Just look at how happy Antony is. Leaving United really works wonders for players.”
A third added: “AURA.”
Another said: “Passion like that could power the whole stadium!”
Real Betis chiefs hinted in February that Antony’s deal could be extended beyond this summer.
There is no transfer clause in the deal which took Antony to Spain from Manchester, but the club are covering a portion of his £105,000 a week wages.
However, sporting director Manu Fajardo has now outlined the club will likely need to qualify for the Champions League to be able to afford Antony.
He said: “In Betis’ sporting department, we work on ‘devalued’ players, analysing data from players who have reached very high moments and peaks, but who for various reasons have significantly decreased their performance.
“We are concerned about their situation and speak with major clubs. In his case, we were able to anticipate and convince the player, and his entourage.
“Today, Antony is performing immediately from minute one in the squad.
“We haven’t lost our enthusiasm, we can’t rule out anything in football and hopefully Real Betis will remain in the top European positions to benefit his continuity and the arrival of other great players.”
The club currently sit sixth in La Liga, six points off of the top four.
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