Manchester United star Antony has denied abuse allegations levelled against him by his former girlfriend.

The £85million winger has been dropped from the Brazil squad after an interview, including pictures and screenshots of messages, where Gabriela Cavallin says she was the victim of several attacks by the 23-year-old over a period of several months.

The social media influencer was allegedly headbutted in a hotel room in Manchester, assaulted in the chest, causing damage to a breast implant, and Antony allegedly threw a glass, cutting a finger.

The Sao Paulo Civil Police and the Greater Manchester Police are reportedly conducting inquiries.
Greater Manchester Police issued a statement saying: “Enquiries are still ongoing to determine the facts surrounding this report. We are aware of the claims made. We won’t be making any more comments at this time.

When contacted by multiple media, Manchester United declined to offer a statement.

Antony wrote on Instagram: “I feel compelled to speak out publicly about the false charges I have been the subject of out of respect for my fans, friends, and family.

“I have handled this situation seriously and with respect from the outset, giving the police authorities the required clarifications. I am not permitted to make public the details of the police inquiry since it is subject to judicial secrecy.

“However, I can firmly assert that the accusations are untrue and that both the evidence that has already been provided and the additional evidence that will be provided show that I am innocent of the charges that have been brought against me. Despite the difficult nature of my relationship with Gabriela and the verbal abuse that occurred on both ends, I never used physical force against her.

“She gives a different account of the allegations at every turn, whether in testimony or in an interview. As a result, I’m here to firmly refute the charges and let you know that I’m still available for any clarification that the Brazilian authorities deem appropriate.

“I am confident that the ongoing police inquiries will show that I am innocent,”

Brazil’s announcement that they would not be fielding the forward in their World Cup qualifying matches against Bolivia and Peru was accompanied by the following statement: “Due to the facts that became public this Monday, involving striker Antony, from Manchester United, and which need to be investigated, and in order to preserve the alleged victim, the player, the Brazilian team, and the CBF, the entity informs that the athlete has been withdrawn from the Brazilian team.”

Gabriel Jesus of Arsenal has been called up to fill in.