032Devil
Full Member
- Joined
- Oct 26, 2004
- Messages
- 22,146
Valencia posted on Twitter: “Aged 14, as a child, I left my family, my town and my first team, Caribe Junior, to travel to Quito. I travelled with a lot of nostalgia but full of dreams and hope.
“I want to thank my second club, El Nacional, who opened the door for me and gave me a great opportunity. I even remember the first time I was called up to the Ecuador national team and I felt how important it is to defend for my country.
“I was able to travel to Europe, which I would never have dreamed of. I played in Villarreal and Recreativo de Huelva, and then arrived at my second home: England.
“Wigan was a unique experience and God gave me the opportunity to come to Manchester United and be their captain.
“Then I returned to Ecuador, to the University Sports League, and now, I finish my career in Queretaro de Mexico. I have been able to play the tournaments in those countries, the Copa Libertadores, the Champions League, the UEFA Cup, and many other important tournaments. I have lifted trophies and lamented defeats. I could also feel with emotion what it means to represent my country in two World Cups.
“I want to thank everyone who has been part of my career and my life. Firsty, to God, for always blessing me. To Zoila and my daughter Domenik who have been my support. To my parents for giving me so much. To Ecuadorians and soccer fans in the countries where I have played, thank you for your love.
“If in this career I have failed you, I apologise. I always tried to do my best. To my country and my team: thanks for everything.”
What did he achieve in his career?
Valencia moved to United in 2009 from Wigan Athletic and won two Premier League titles, an FA Cup, two League Cups, three Community Shields and the Europa League.
He was named the Players' Player of the Year in 2011-12 and again in 2016-17.
The winger left United in May 2019 having clocked up 338 appearances and scored 25 goals. He has the most Premier League appearances of any South American player with 325 to his name.
Valencia also represented his country over a 15-year spell, picking up 99 caps and 11 goals.
https://theathletic.com/news/antonio-valencia-manchester-united-retires/QqgMUpMuJD2n
“I want to thank my second club, El Nacional, who opened the door for me and gave me a great opportunity. I even remember the first time I was called up to the Ecuador national team and I felt how important it is to defend for my country.
“I was able to travel to Europe, which I would never have dreamed of. I played in Villarreal and Recreativo de Huelva, and then arrived at my second home: England.
“Wigan was a unique experience and God gave me the opportunity to come to Manchester United and be their captain.
“Then I returned to Ecuador, to the University Sports League, and now, I finish my career in Queretaro de Mexico. I have been able to play the tournaments in those countries, the Copa Libertadores, the Champions League, the UEFA Cup, and many other important tournaments. I have lifted trophies and lamented defeats. I could also feel with emotion what it means to represent my country in two World Cups.
“I want to thank everyone who has been part of my career and my life. Firsty, to God, for always blessing me. To Zoila and my daughter Domenik who have been my support. To my parents for giving me so much. To Ecuadorians and soccer fans in the countries where I have played, thank you for your love.
“If in this career I have failed you, I apologise. I always tried to do my best. To my country and my team: thanks for everything.”
What did he achieve in his career?
Valencia moved to United in 2009 from Wigan Athletic and won two Premier League titles, an FA Cup, two League Cups, three Community Shields and the Europa League.
He was named the Players' Player of the Year in 2011-12 and again in 2016-17.
The winger left United in May 2019 having clocked up 338 appearances and scored 25 goals. He has the most Premier League appearances of any South American player with 325 to his name.
Valencia also represented his country over a 15-year spell, picking up 99 caps and 11 goals.
https://theathletic.com/news/antonio-valencia-manchester-united-retires/QqgMUpMuJD2n