Valencia Leaves Man United After 10-year Spell

By Joshua Walters

After a decade-long Manchester United career, Antonio Valencia has returned to his country to continue with his career.

The former Manchester United captain has joined LDU Quito as the club made the announcement of his arrival on Friday.

Valencia signed a two-year contract with an option for another year.

With Manchester United not renewing his contract after the 2018/19 season, the fullback has decided to spend the remaining years of his career in Ecuador.

The former Wigan player in the on-going Copa America tournament featured 3 times for the Ecuadorian national team as they failed to qualify from the group stage.

Valencia began his football career with El Nacional in Ecuador as he spent three years with the side.

The 33-year-old then joined Spanish LaLiga outfit Villarreal in 2007.

Having had a successful loan spell with Wigan Athletic from Villarreal, Valencia sealed a permanent transfer to Manchester United for an undisclosed fee rumoured to be in the region of £16 million, signing a four-year contract in 2009.

Joining United from Wigan, Valencia won two Premier League titles, an FA Cup and a Europa League crown in his 10-year spell with the Red Devils.

Valencia started his career as a wing forward but was permanently shifted to the right-back position as he went on to become the captain of the side for the recently concluded season.

The last season of Valencia saw him made just six Premier League appearances as he spent majority of the campaign on the treatment table.

Manchetser United will now fill his space with Crystal Palace's youngster Aaron Wan-Bissaka as they are set to make his transfer official in the coming days.