Manchester United have issued a statement on the status of their player Antony who is currently under investigation for an alleged assault.

The winger was given a leave of absence by the club on September 10 after his former girlfriend Gabriela Cavallin accused him of violent behaviour and two other Brazilian women came forward with similar allegations.

According to the statement, “Since allegations were first made in June, Antony has co-operated with police inquiries in both Brazil and the UK, and he continues to do so.”

The club added that “As Antony’s employer, Manchester United has decided that he will resume training at Carrington, and be available for selection, while police inquiries proceed. This will be kept under review pending further developments in the case.”

“As a club, we condemn acts of violence and abuse. We recognise the importance of safeguarding all those involved in this situation, and acknowledge the impact these allegations have on survivors of abuse,” the statement concluded.

Antony has denied all allegations against him by all three women. He remained in Brazil but returned to Manchester on Tuesday and held a five-hour meeting with police on Thursday after voluntarily attending an interview. 

He was free to go home at the end of the meeting with no restrictions. Antony also provided evidence to support his denials of the allegations.

By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme