Antony has been hiring a personal photographer to capture him in action for Manchester United since the beginning of the campaign, it has been revealed. The 24-year-old has endured a torrid time of things at United this season, having scored just three goals in all competitions.
Antony bagged his only Premier League goal of the campaign in last month’s draw with Burnley and marked the occasion with a unique celebration. He raced over to the photographer and hugged him before lifting up a Sonic The Hedgehog toy while tucking the ball under his shirt.
The United winger has been hiring the photographer to take pictures of him for his own private collection, as well as for social media posts and endorsements, according to The Sun. The photographer had reportedly been carrying the Sonic toy all season with the aim of putting it to use when Antony found the net.
It took much longer than expected for Antony to pull off the celebration, having failed to score in the Premier League until finally breaking his duck against Burnley. He later revealed that it was a nod to his son, who is a huge Sonic fan, and explained that tucking the ball under his shirt was a tribute to his pregnant girlfriend.
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“Sonic is my son Lorenzo’s favourite cartoon,” said Antony. “He loves him. He is growing up and is incredible, a little partner in my life. He makes me happy every day and we are also very excited for the arrival of our little Lavinne, a baby who is already very loved by everyone.
“God has been very good to our family. I’m happy to score a goal, I was looking for that, to be able to pay homage to them, as they give me motivation to continue my work in the best possible way with the United shirt, which I respect and love so much.”
Many professional footballers hire private photographers to take snaps of them during matches, including several of Antony’s team-mates. It is also said that players from other clubs have been allowed to place their own photographers on the touchline at Old Trafford.
Antony will be desperate to rediscover his scoring form as quickly as possible, with United still able to qualify for next season’s Europa League. They can finish in the Premier League’s top five if they win their final three games and Tottenham, Newcastle and Chelsea slip up.
United can also book a place in the Europa League with a win over Manchester City in the FA Cup final, which is set to take place later this month.
