Manchester United transfer target Antony refused to publicly commit himself to Ajax – just hours before going on strike in a order to force through a £72.3m move to Old Trafford.
The Brazilian star was asked if he could give supporters of the Dutch club any guarantees that he will still be in Amsterdam when the summer window closes at the end of the month.
He answered: “No, to be perfectly honest, I can’t. “What I can say is that I want to come to the right decision with my family, business partners and Ajax, which is good for everyone.
“In the end, God determines my future. “I am very happy at Ajax, I have a contract until the summer of 2025 and I will give everything for this beautiful club for every second.
“I wear the shirt with pride and from day one I feel at home. “If we all decide that I will stay here, then I know that this is the best thing for me and the club. It’s not like I have to leave.
“Now I am focusing on playing football and have put all other matters in the hands of my agents and my brother. They will advise me on what is best.”
Antony granted the interview to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf just as the Red Devils were tabling a bid that would see them pay £63.8m up front and another £8.3m in add-ons.
Ajax immediately turned down the offer – and insisted that the 23-year-old is not for sale. But Antony is desperate to follow former Ajax manager Erik ten Hag to Manchester.
And when he reported for duty at his club’s training ground on Friday, he informed Alfred Schreuder that he wasn’t mentally prepared to train.
Antony worked out in the gym while Schreuder put the rest of his team through their paces in preparation for the game against Sparta Rotterdam on Sunday.
Ajax refused to comment on claims that Antony had downed tools to force his exit from the club.
Meanwhile, Antony conceded that it has been hard to see Ten Hag endure a baptism of fire at Old Trafford. The Dutchman is the first United manager in over a century to lose his first two matches in charge.
Antony said: “Erik has been super important to me. I am grateful to him and wish him all the best. “I will always cheer for Erik after working so closely together.
“I have not been able to celebrate or cheer for him as he got no points yet. I couldn’t until now anyway and that makes me sad. “But knowing Erik, I am convinced that he will turn the tide soon.
“Manchester United will improve at his hand. At his previous clubs he has proven that his method works.”
