Antonio Valencia celebrates with the FA Cup after Manchester United’s victory over Crystal Palace in the 2016 final (Mike Egerton/PA)Former Manchester United club captain Antonio Valencia has announced his retirement from football at the age of 35. Valencia began his professional career at home with El Nacional before moving to Villarreal in Spain, but it was in England that he made his mark, firstly with Wigan and then at United following a £16million switch. To Manchester United fans 🔴👇🏽 pic.twitter.com/0HKWscZO9F — Antonio Valencia (@anto_v25) May 12, 2021In a message to United fans on his official Twitter account, he said: “At the age of 14 as a child, I left my family, my village and my first team to travel to the capital of my country. “Wigan was a unique experience, and then God gave me the opportunity to join Manchester United. Expand Close Antonio Valencia in action for Manchester United (Martin Rickett/PA) / FacebookTwitterEmailWhatsapp Antonio Valencia in action for Manchester United (Martin Rickett/PA)“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.

Source: Irish Independent May 12, 2021 19:30 UTC