The Brazilian winger, now 26, told Bild that being courted by one of Europe's biggest clubs was a significant moment in his career, even if he never seriously considered making the move.
"That was of course a great honour," Antony said. "I have huge respect for Bayern Munich and also for Vincent Kompany."
Despite the approach, Antony's decision ultimately came down to his personal circumstances rather than football alone. He explained that his time at Real Betis, where he had rebuilt his career and reputation following a difficult spell at Manchester United, offered him something Bayern could not at that moment.
"I was going through a difficult period in my life at the time and needed a place where I could become happy again - not just as a footballer, but as a person too," he said. "That's why I don't regret this decision at all."
The numbers since have backed up his choice. Antony contributed 14 goals and 10 assists in 46 competitive appearances for Betis last season, form that has firmly established him as one of La Liga's most productive wide players and vindicated the club's decision to make his loan move permanent.
Bayern Munich's interest came at the end of the summer transfer window last year, with head coach Kompany personally reaching out to the winger after Bayern had lost both Kingsley Coman and Leroy Sane earlier in that window. Antony had previously described the approach as something that "really shook him up" given the stature of the club and the coach involved, though he ultimately chose to honour his commitment to Betis rather than pursue a switch to Bavaria.
Antony's revival in Spain has been one of the more notable turnarounds in European football over the past 18 months. Signed by Manchester United from Ajax in 2022 for a fee in excess of £80m, he struggled to justify the outlay in England, managing just a handful of goals across two and a half injury-hit and inconsistent seasons at Old Trafford before being sent out on loan to Betis in January 2025.
His form in Seville was immediate and sustained, prompting Betis to make the move permanent for around €25m last summer, with Manchester United retaining a sell-on clause as part of the agreement.
Since his first appearance for the club, only a handful of players in La Liga have registered more combined goals and assists than Antony, underlining just how significant his revival has been under manager Manuel Pellegrini.