Antonio Valencia Joins Wythenshawe AFC Veterans Team
Former Manchester United captain Antonio Valencia has become a member of the veteran team at Manchester club Wythenshawe AFC, which features a number of former Premier League stars.
The 40-year-old Ecuadorian spent a decade at Old Trafford from 2009 to 2019, during which he won two Premier League titles, an FA Cup, two League Cups, and the Europa League.
Valencia is part of an impressive roster at Wythenshawe that includes fellow title winners Joleon Lescott, Danny Drinkwater, Marc Albrighton, and Danny Simpson, alongside ex-England striker Emile Heskey and former Newcastle forward Papiss Cisse.
Career Highlights and International Experience
During his tenure at Manchester United, Valencia made 339 appearances. Internationally, he earned 99 caps for Ecuador and represented his country at the FIFA World Cups in 2006 and 2014.
After retiring from professional football in 2021, Valencia established his own football academy, AV25, in Ecuador.
Wythenshawe AFC's Current Performance and Squad
Wythenshawe AFC has had a strong start to the current season in the Cheshire Vets League Premier Division, winning all seven matches, scoring 62 goals, and conceding only eight.
The team also includes former Everton forward Oumar Niasse, ex-Wigan defender Maynor Figueroa, former Manchester City players Stephen Ireland and Nedum Onuoha, former Burnley midfielder George Boyd, and ex-Swansea midfielder Jefferson Montero.
Valencia's Transfer History and Squad Value
Valencia joined Manchester United from Wigan Athletic in 2009 for a transfer fee of £16 million, following Cristiano Ronaldo's move to Real Madrid. Initially signed as a right-winger, he later transitioned to the right-back position.
Valencia's return to the North West contributes to a combined transfer fee of approximately £140 million for the former clubs of the players currently at Wythenshawe.
The squad collectively boasts over 2,000 top-flight appearances, nearly 500 international caps, and 21 major trophies.
Amateur Status and Club Details
Despite the high-profile nature of the players, they do not receive payment for representing Wythenshawe AFC. Chairman Carl Barratt has noted the players' commitment to the club's amateur status.
"In fact, chairman Carl Barratt says his wife has to send them letters to collect their £15 subscription fees."
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