Manchester United forward Antony has paid an emotional tribute to his older brother, Emerson, who continues to play an invaluable role in shaping his career and life so far.

Our Brazil international is the player interview in Saturday’s edition of United Review and, during our conversation for the matchday programme, he opened up about the importance of family. 

Antony grew up in a Sao Paulo favela called Inferninho and that translates to ‘little hell’, which says all you need to know about the tough environment he came from.

Football became an escape route from the rigours of everyday life and playing professionally quickly became a realistic ambition.

To achieve that ‘impossible’ dream, he needed the support of his family and a relentless work ethic that has fuelled his entire career so far.  

With great determination, Antony broke into the Sao Paulo team and quickly transferred to Europe and AFC Ajax, where he became a student of Erik ten Hag’s.

The pair struck up a powerful relationship and, as a result, the Brazil is now playing for United on the biggest stage of all. 

The story is like a fantasy and none of it could have happened without the guidance of a proud older brother, who pushes him to improve every single day. 

“He’s been with me through thick and thin,” says Antony of Emerson. “I’ve always looked up to him, and he’s always been by my side through the hardest times we’ve gone through. 

“It was my brother who took me to the futsal courts and taught me dribbling skills. I’ve got so much admiration and affection for him. I love him so much and I’ll always see him as one of my idols.

“He recently had a spell here [in Manchester], and then he went back to Brazil. Nowadays, he works for me and helps me out this way. Right now, he’s in Brazil but he normally comes here, stays for a period, then goes back to Brazil. We’re always in touch with each other too.

Antony in United Review says

“It was my brother who took me to the futsal courts and taught me dribbling skills. I’ve got so much admiration and affection for him. I love him so much and I’ll always see him as one of my idols.”

Antony in United Review

“He is indeed proud of me. He also dreamt of becoming a footballer, but he didn’t make it. He’s delighted for what I’m doing and I’ve said to him, ‘I’m not only making my dream come true right now but yours as well, I want you to experience all of these moments with me’.

“Talent and working hard every day are really important, but when you’ve got your family close at hand it’s great because they come down hard on you when need be.

“They will say to you, ‘hold on there, you’re going down the wrong path’, or ‘look, I want the best for you’. That’s a big deal for me. I think family are the most important thing.”

Antony has provided a better life for his family, but he hasn’t forgotten where he came from. He speaks openly about his upbringing in Inferninho and uses the memories to drive him forward. 

Asked if he has any mementoes to remind him, our no.21 concludes: “I do. I’ve got ‘favela’ written on my boots, it’s always been there. I’ll soon be getting a tattoo of the favela where I used to live.”