Tearful Antony is consoled by his former Man United team-mate Jadon Sancho as Real Betis capitulate against Chelsea in Conference League final

• Antony made little impact as Chelsea came from behind to claim European glory
• Fellow Man United loanee scores for the Blues before giving Brazilian a big hug 
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By DAVID KENT

Jadon Sancho took a moment to console a tearful Antony after helping Chelsea beat Real Betis 4-1 to win the Conference League final in Wrocław.

The winger smashed in the Blues’ third goal as they became the first club to win each of the five major European trophies.

And moments after the final whistle, Sancho headed over to Betis’ clearly distraught Antony to give his fellow Man United loanee a big hug. 

Antony has been in dazzling form since moving to Spain on loan in January, scoring nine goals and adding five assists; showing why Man United splashed out £86million to sign him from Ajax. 

Despite all the pre-match hype, however, the Brazilian was unable to impact the final. 

Sancho, on the other hand, came off the bench after an hour with his side still trailing 1-0 and helped inspire a thunderous comeback as the Blues scored four times in 25 minutes.

Jadon Sancho embraces fellow Man United loanee Antony minutes after the final whistle

Sancho fires in Chelsea’s third goal as the Blues come from behind to claim European glory

Winger Antony comes to terms with defeat in a final in which he was an anonymous figure

It could prove to be a career-defining impact for Sancho as his future hangs in the balance with Chelsea yet to decide whether to sign him on a permanent deal.

The 25-year-old joined on loan from Man United at the very end of last summer’s transfer window, signing for the duration of the 2024/25 season. 

The deal included the condition that Chelsea would be obligated to sign Sancho for £25m should they finish higher than 14th in the Premier League.

The Blues, who finished fourth, must pay a £5m penalty to Man United if they wish to renege on that term but manager Enzo Maresca revealed in the build-up to the final that Chelsea’s decision was still pending.

Antony finds himself in a similar situation. Manuel Pellegrini’s side want to keep the 25-year-old but will need to shell out around £30-35m and fend off competition for his signature, leaving the Brazilian in limbo. 

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Tearful Antony is consoled by his former Man United team-mate Jadon Sancho as Real Betis capitulate against Chelsea in Conference League final

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