Manchester United has long been interested in Brazilian winger Antony Santos, but Ajax is reluctant to let the 22-year-old go. The Dutch side rejected the Premier League club’s latest €90 million bid. While Antony remains eager to leave and has stopped practice with his teammates, including being left out of a recent fixture, the club’s coach reiterated that there was no reason to sell the player. 

Fabrizio Romano, the reputed sports journalist who stays atop transfer news, interviewed the Brazilian following the latest turn in his transfer saga. Here’s all that Antony said. 

When asked how the negotiations for his transfer were going, Antony noted “Since February of this year, my agents came to Amsterdam to inform Ajax of my desire to leave the club to face new challenge and that some interested clubs would arrive and with them, certainly a great offer”. 

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He responded to what the situation with Ajax was, saying that in June the Brazilian informed the managers and new coach that he didn’t wish to continue with the Dutch side. 

Antony told Romano, “During the window months, meetings continued and I also received a proposal from Ajax for contract renewal. I made it clear once again: I WANT TO LEAVE”.  

He also elaborated on why Ajax refused United’s offer saying that the club stated they only had five days to replace the winger before the close of the transfer window. When Romano asked why Ajax wasn’t willing to let Antony go, he said “I’m not asking Ajax to release me, I’m asking Ajax to sell me with the highest bid ever for Eredivisie player. I’ve been insisting on this theme since February so that the club could rebuild the team with peace of mind”. 

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The Brazilian was quick to say that he had been happy at Ajax, but now wishes to pursue his career and goals elsewhere. He left a message for Ajax fans, saying “I hope Ajax fans understand me… because the future for a football player is a totally uncertain thing and the opportunities can be unique!”, and added, “My message is one of gratitude for Ajax, club and fans”.