Manchester United winger Antony has finally broken his silence on the domestic abuse allegations made against him by a former partner.
Earlier this month, Gabriela Cavallin - a DJ and influencer - made a series of allegations against the United star.
Cavallin filed a report with police in Brazil, alleging 'domestic violence, threat and bodily injury' against the 23-year-old footballer.
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She made further allegations in a television interview with Record TV, claiming Antony 'held me by both arms, threw me on the bed and fell on top of me' during an alleged incident in Brazil last year.
Cavallin claimed to have required stitches following the alleged incident and also accused Antony of refusing to allow her to leave their home.
Antony has now responded to those allegations with a statement on his Instagram account, saying he has been 'falsely accused'.
"For you, after submitting my statement at the police station where the investigation involving my name is being conducted, I wanted to speak publicly for the first time since I was falsely accused of assault," he wrote.
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"I stayed silent until this moment so that nothing could interfere with the investigation process, but during all these days my family and I suffered in silence.
"Despite being born and raised in a very needy community, I have never been through a situation similar to this, in which a false assault charge resulted in a preliminary and unfair public judgement on the part of some.
"After the closure of the investigation, my innocence will certainly be proven and justice will prevail. The damage initially caused to my image will be in the past. Thank you for the countless messages of support received at this very difficult time."
In the interview with Record TV, Cavallin said she feared for her life during the alleged incident.
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"He threw water on me, started kicking me, grabbed me by the hair, butted my head and made a cut," Cavallin said.
"He held me by both arms, threw me on the bed and fell on top of me. At that, my silicone prosthesis dislocated. At the time, it gave me such a shortness of breath that it looked like I was going to die."
She also alleged that Antony kept her 'captive' in their home.
"He broke my suitcase, took my handbag, my passport. He broke my mobile phone, he wouldn't let me go," Cavallin said.
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"I was a prisoner from 10pm to almost 3.30am. I call it private captivity. I just wanted to get out of there and he told me that I wouldn't leave until I erased everything. I think his mother called his physiotherapist and asked for help. No one could control it."
Antony joined United from Ajax last summer in a deal worth around £85m with the Brazil international signing a five-year contract at Old Trafford.
He went on to score 10 goals in 47 appearances in his debut season in English football.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Antony, Manchester United, Football, Premier League