ANTONIO VALENCIA paid a glowing tribute to Manchester United fans after announcing that he is retiring from football.
The former Red Devils captain won two Premier League titles, an FA Cup, two League Cups and the Europa League in his decade at Old Trafford.
He wrote in a letter published on Twitter: “To Manchester United fans,
“At the age of 14, as a child, I left my family, my village and first team to travel to the capital of my country. I travelled with a lot of nostalgia but full of hope.
“A few years later, I was able to travel to Europe, something I had never dreamed of. I played in Spain, and then came to my second home: England.
“Wigan was a unique experience, and then God gave me the opportunity to join Manchester United.
I will never forget everything I experienced at Old Trafford. I will never forget every goal, every trophy, and the wonderful fans
Antonio Valencia
“I will never forget everything I experienced at Old Trafford. I will never forget every goal, every trophy, and the wonderful fans.
“I did not think this moment would come so soon but my body has asked me to make this decision. I am announcing my retirement from football.
“I want to thank everyone who has been part of my career and my life. God in the first place, for always blessing me. Zoila and my daughter Domenik, who have been my pillars. My parents for giving me so much.
“To the fans of all the countries where I have played. I always tried to give my best. Thank you for your affection and support.”
Valencia moved to Old Trafford from Wigan for £16million in 2009 as a replacement for Real Madrid-bound Cristiano Ronaldo.
He made 338 appearances for the club, scoring 25 times.
Valencia proved a popular signing among the United faithful after winning the Matt Busby Player of the Year award in 2012.
The 35-year-old began his professional career at Ecuadorian side CD El Nacional in 2006 and helped his country to their best-ever World Cup finish as they reached the second round later that year.
Antonio Valencia’s Man Utd honours
Team:
Premier League: 2010–11, 2012–13
FA Cup: 2015–16
EFL Cup: 2009–10, 2016–17
FA Community Shield: 2010, 2013, 2016
UEFA Europa League: 2016–17
Individual:
Alan Hardaker Trophy: 2010
PFA Team of the Year: 2009–10
Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year: 2011–12
United Players’ Player of the Year: 2011–12, 2016–17
United Goal of the Year: 2011–12
UEFA Europa League Squad of the Season: 2016–17
Premier League Goal of the Month: September 2017
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A former winger, Valencia featured under the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson, David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
He developed into a wing-back role in the Premier League before moving back to Ecuador to join LDU Quito two years ago.
Valencia has now hung up his boots after making 15 appearances for Mexican outfit Queretaro.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
