Former Manchester United captain Antonio Valencia has joined the veteran side of Wythenshawe AFC.
The 40-year-old becomes the latest former top-flight player to feature for the Manchester-based club in the Cheshire Vets League.
Decorated United career
Valencia spent a decade at Manchester United between 2009 and 2019, winning two Premier League titles along with the FA Cup, two EFL Cup trophies and the UEFA Europa League.
The Ecuadorian made 339 appearances for United and earned 99 caps for Ecuador national football team, representing his country at the 2006 FIFA World Cup and 2014 FIFA World Cup.
He retired from professional football in 2021 and later founded his football academy, AV25, in Ecuador.
Star-studded veterans squad
Valencia joins a veterans team that already includes several former Premier League winners such as Joleon Lescott, Danny Drinkwater, Marc Albrighton and Danny Simpson.
Other notable names in the squad include former England striker Emile Heskey and ex-Newcastle United forward Papiss Cissé.
The team also features players such as Oumar Niasse, Maynor Figueroa, Stephen Ireland, Nedum Onuoha, George Boyd and Jefferson Montero.
Strong record this season
Wythenshawe have won all seven matches in the Cheshire Vets League Premier Division this season, scoring 62 goals and conceding just eight.
Despite the high-profile names, the players do not get paid to represent the club. Chairman Carl Barratt revealed that some even receive reminder letters asking them to pay their £15 subscription fees.
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