Neymar has jumped to the defence of Manchester United winger Antony and told his fellow Brazilian to ignore critics of his showboating.
Former Ajax star Antony faced scrutiny after performing a double spin on the right wing during United s Europa League game against Sheriff on Thursday.
Former United midfielder Paul Scholes said it was an example of Antony being a clown , given the pass he subsequently played to Casemiro had too much weight and ran out of play for a goal kick.
An alternative take might be that Antony disorientated the Sheriff players and almost delivered a killer ball behind the opposition defence as they stopped and stared.
Antony justified his piece of close-control skill by stating it was in his Brazilian nature, saying: We are known for our art and I will not stop doing what brought me to where I am.
The clever dragging of the ball was not effective on this occasion, but Paris Saint-Germain superstar Neymar wants to see Antony continue to showcase his flair on the field.
There could be more of it to come on a bigger stage when Antony and Neymar head to the World Cup with Brazil in November.
Neymar wrote in an Instagram message: Keep it up, don t change anything. Go for it kid, daring and joy.
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— Manchester United (@ManUtd)
United manager Erik ten Hag substituted Antony at half-time in the Sheriff game, with his team 1-0 ahead.
When asked if Antony was replaced because of his antics, Ten Hag said: No. It was more or less planned if we were up. I wanted to see Marcus and Cristiano close together, and the dynamic on the right side.
Antony became United s most expensive signing of the last transfer window when he arrived from Dutch champions Ajax in a deal worth around £85million.
