Manchester United player Antony has been pictured relaxing with friends around a swimming pool at a gated estate near Sao Paulo after agreeing to an indefinite leave of absence from his club following abuse allegations.
The 23-year-old looked relaxed as he posed for selfies with fans who recognized him as he enjoyed some downtime with two friends.
The striker had flown to Brazil before being told he was being dropped from this week’s international matches.
He is now expected to remain in his home country for the time being as he tries to defend himself against allegations that he assaulted three women.
They include DJ and influencer Gabriela Cavallin, who claims the footballer attacked her four times, and bank employee Ingrid Lana, who claims he pushed her against a wall in Manchester last September.
Manchester United winger Antony (left) has been spotted relaxing in a pool in Sao Paulo as he delays his return to the club following a series of sexual abuse allegations (Credit: Instagram)
Antony’s (right) accuser Ingrid Lana (left) has claimed the Brazilian ‘could have killed her after she accused him of pushing her against a wall’
DJ and influencer Gabriela Cavallin also made several accusations against the Man United star
Antony, who is facing police investigations in Brazil and Britain, has denied any wrongdoing.
He has not been arrested or charged and has promised to “come forward with the evidence” to prove the truth.
The winger, who signed for United from Ajax last summer on an £85 million deal, was photographed giving a thumbs up in a selfie around the pool at the gated Alphaville apartment complex in the upscale municipality of Barueri, near Sao Paulo.
In another, he posed bare-chested in a swimsuit, looking smiling and relaxed with a young fan.
His chic surroundings were a world away from those of his youth in the Sao Paulo suburb called ‘Inferninho’ – Portuguese for ‘Little Hell’.
Antony revealed after joining the Red Devils last year how he jumped over the body of a dead man lying in an alley near his house as he walked to school, stressing: ‘I’m not saying this to sound tough. It was just my reality.”
It was not immediately clear today whether the luxury condominium where he was photographed is serving as his base in Brazil as he focuses on the abuse allegations he faces and takes a break from competitive football – or if he is simply there for a day was visiting friends.
Gabriela Cavallin, 23, and Ingrid Lana, 33, have both given TV interviews in their home country in the past week, claiming they were attacked by the footballer.
The third female prosecutor in Brazil has been named Rayssa de Freitas.
Cavallin filed a police report in Brazil in June and subsequently spoke out during a television interview
Cavallin said she needed stitches to her chest after Antony allegedly injured her
Antony posted a statement in Portuguese on Instagram in June emphasizing his innocence
Ingrid, who claims she was pushed against a wall after traveling to Manchester to meet Antony on business last September, dramatically claimed on social media earlier this week that she could have been killed in the alleged attack.
The footballer emphasized in his own TV interview in Brazil last Friday: “I know the truth and it will come out.”
He also spoke out against domestic violence and insisted he would never harm a woman.
He said: ‘It’s completely wrong, 100 percent wrong. I have a mother and a sister, and I would never want this to happen to them.
“I’m 100 percent sure I’ve never touched a woman, and I’ll come back with the proof.” People will see the truth. I have never assaulted and I will never assault. I’m sure I never committed any physical violence.’
According to reports in the South American country, Antony was now planning to sue Ingrid for defamation following her interview on Record TV on Sunday.
Manchester United said in a club statement on Sunday: ‘Manchester United acknowledges the allegations against Antony.
‘Players who have not participated in international matches must return to training on Monday. However, it has been agreed with Antony that he will postpone his return until further notice in order to address the allegations.
The winger then appeared on Brazilian television to conduct an interview about the allegations
‘As a club we condemn violence and abuse. We recognize the importance of protecting everyone involved in this situation, and acknowledge the impact these allegations have on survivors of abuse.”
A statement from Anthony read: ‘I have agreed with Manchester United to take a period of absence while I address the allegations against me.
“This was a mutual decision to avoid distraction for my teammates and unnecessary controversy for the club.
“I would like to reiterate my innocence of the things I have been accused of, and I will cooperate fully with the police to help them find the truth. I’m looking forward to playing again as soon as possible.’