Luis Antonio Valencia
Encyclopedia
Luis Antonio Valencia Mosquera (born 4 August 1985), commonly known as Antonio Valencia, is an Ecuador
ian footballer who currently plays as a winger for Manchester United
and the Ecuadorian national team
. He has also occasionally been deployed as an emergency right back for Manchester United.
After progressing through the youth system at El Nacional
, Valencia became a first team regular and made over 80 appearances for the club before signing for La Liga
side Villarreal CF
in 2005. He only made two league appearances for the Spanish side in between successful loan spells at Recreativo de Huelva
for the 2005–06 season
and later English Premier League club Wigan Athletic
from 2006 to 2008. Wigan later signed Valencia on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee in January 2008. His performances for Wigan soon attracted attention from several high profile clubs and he turned down a move to Real Madrid
before signing for Manchester United
in June 2009. Valencia has since won the 2009–10 Football League Cup
, the 2010 FA Community Shield
, and the 2010–11 Premier League
during his time at Manchester United, along with being voted into PFA Team of the Year
in his debut season.
Valencia made his Ecuador debut in 2005 and scored two goals in the process. He represented his country at the 2006 FIFA World Cup
, the 2007 Copa América and the 2011 Copa América
. Since making his debut, Valencia has won 49 caps and scored six goals for his country.
, also known as Lago Agrio, Ecuador
, which is located in the Amazon Rainforest
. Valencia helped his mother sell drinks outside the stadium of his local club at Lago Agrio and would then search for empty bottles for his father to sell to a bottle-deposit in the capital, Quito
. Valencia used to play barefoot on the pitch next to the bungalow he shared with his parents, five brothers and sister.
When Valencia was aged 11, scout Pedro "Papi" Perlaza spotted him playing on a dusty field near his home, and signed him to the local FA-run sports academy in Sucumbíos
. At the age of 16, Valencia didn't tell his father he left home to take up an offer to play for El Nacional
, the military-backed club in Quito. Nobody knew about Valencia’s decision, except his mother and his elder brother, Carlos Alfredo, who paid the fare for his eight-hour bus journey. Valencia began in central midfield and on a salary of 50 dollars a month.
. Valencia moved to Spanish club Villarreal
in 2005. After failing to break into the first-team, however, he was loaned to Recreativo de Huelva
to gain experience. Valencia helped Recreativo gain promotion to La Liga
as they finished the season top of the table.
, initially on a year long loan deal. He made his debut for Wigan on 19 August, in a 2–1 loss away to Newcastle United
. His first goal for Wigan came in a 4–0 home win over Manchester City
on 21 October. Valencia returned after a three-month absence as he played 78 minutes of a 2–0 home loss to Everton
on 21 January 2007. Valencia was sent off for the first time for Wigan on 9 April, receiving a straight red card for a two-footed challenge on Wilfred Bouma
during a 1–1 away draw against Aston Villa
. Valencia ended his first season with one goal, one assist and one red card in his 22 appearances.
The loan was extended into the following season, and on 18 January 2008 he transferred for an undisclosed fee, signing a three-and-a-half-year contract. The deal was said to be worth around £
5 million. Valencia scored his first goal of the 2007–08 season in a 2–0 win over Derby County
on 23 February, before netting his first Wigan brace in a 2–0 away victory over Aston Villa on 3 May. Valencia ended the season with three goals and three assists in 32 appearances in all competitions.
Valencia's first goal of the following season came in Wigan's 5–0 away victory over Hull City
on 30 August. He then grabbed a goal in the 2–1 home win over Manchester City on 28 September, but followed it up by receiving a red card in the 3–2 loss at Liverpool
on 18 October. Valencia scored his final goal for Wigan on 13 December, as he inspired them to a 3–0 victory over Blackburn Rovers
. Wigan boss Steve Bruce
confirmed that Valencia turned down the chance to join Real Madrid in January 2009. On 9 February, Valencia was ruled out of action for three weeks after suffering a recurrence of a hamstring injury. In early June 2009, the Wigan chairman Dave Whelan announced that he would not force Valencia to stay at the club. Valencia scored 7 goals in 89 appearances during his time at Wigan.
in the Audi Cup
. He made his competitive debut for Manchester United in the 2009 FA Community Shield
, when he came on for the injured Nani
in the 62nd minute. On 17 October, he scored his first competitive goal for the club, scoring United's second in a 2–1 league victory against Bolton Wanderers
. His first UEFA Champions League
goal followed four days later in a 1–0 away victory against CSKA Moscow.
Valencia provided the assist for Wayne Rooney
's winning goal in the 2010 League Cup Final
against Aston Villa
on 28 February 2010, Valencia was named Man of the Match
as United won 2–1. On 25 April, Valencia was included in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year
in his debut season for the club alongside team-mates Patrice Evra
, Darren Fletcher
and Wayne Rooney
. On 8 August, Valencia scored United's first goal in their 3–1 win over Chelsea in the 2010 Community Shield
.
During a Champions League game against Rangers
on 14 September, Valencia suffered a break to his left ankle. An operation the morning after the match showed that his left ankle was fractured and dislocated, and that his ankle ligaments were damaged. On 28 February 2011, Valencia returned to training with Manchester United's first-team. He played his first game back from injury against Arsenal
in the FA Cup
sixth round on 12 March 2011. On 9 April, he scored his first league goal of the season as he netted the second of a 2–0 home win over Fulham
. Days later, he scored the first goal in United's 4–1 victory against the German team Schalke 04 in the second leg of the semifinal of the 2010–11 UEFA Champions League, game in which he was selected as player of the match. On 14 May, he became the first Ecuadorian player to win the English Premier League in the 2010–11
season. Valencia was a starter in United's 3-1 UEFA Champions League
final defeat to FC Barcelona
, preferred instead of Nani
in the line-up at Wembley Stadium
.
On 1 August 2011 Valencia agreed a new four-year deal with Manchester United that will keep him at the club until the summer of 2015. Prior to the start of the 2011-12 season, Valencia picked up an ankle injury on international duty with Ecuador at the Copa America
during the summer. He missed United's entire pre-season tour of the USA because of the injury. He also missed the first month of the season because of a lack of match fitness. Valencia made his first start of the season away at Benfica in the first group stage match of the UEFA Champions League
. Then on 18 September 2011 he returned to Premier League action, replacing the injured Chris Smalling
at right back in the 3-1 win against Chelsea
. He then continued to play right back in the next three games against Leeds United in the Carling Cup, away at Stoke City and home against Norwich City in the Premier League. Valencia scored his first goal of the season, in a 4th round Carling Cup tie against Aldershot Town, receiving the ball in the middle of the park and then turning and firing in from 25 yards to seal a 3-0 victory. Valencia scored his second goal of the season, the opening goal in Manchester United's Champions League fixture against Otelul Galati, the game finished 2-0.
Valencia was fast tracked through the under-20 team
, alongside Christian Benítez, where he scored 17 goals in 23 matches.
and netted his first two international goals in the process, coming in a 5–2 World Cup qualifying
win against Paraguay
. Three days later he scored again in a qualifying match, this time netting in 2–2 draw away to Peru
. Valencia played in all of Ecuador's 2006 FIFA World Cup
matches, and was chosen as a nominee for FIFA's ideal 11 team, which recognises the top stars for every position in the World Cup. He was also shortlisted as one of the six potential candidates for the Gillette Best Young Player award. An email broadly circulated in England encouraged votes for Valencia, in an attempt to prevent Cristiano Ronaldo
from winning. Valencia ended up receiving the greatest number of votes in the online poll, but since the award's winner is determined by a combination of the fan vote and a judging panel, the award was eventually given to Lukas Podolski
.
On 27 June 2007, Valencia netted Ecuador's first goal of their 2007 Copa América campaign, however they eventually lost the match 3–2 to Chile
and finished the tournament bottom of their group. Valenica received hs first red card for Ecuador on 12 October 2008, during a 1–0 victory over Chile in a World Cup qualifier
. On 9 September 2009, Valencia scored his first World Cup qualifying goal, netting in a 3–1 away victory over Bolivia
. On 10 October 2009, he netted for the second qualifier in a row, this time netting Ecuador's single goal in a 2–1 defeat to the hands of Uruguay
.
On 3 July 2011, In a match against Paraguay
at the 2011 Copa América
, he suffered a sprained left ankle and was forced off at half-time.
. Along with former Wigan teammates Maynor Figueroa
and Wilson Palacios
, Valencia began taking English lessons (although Valencia still requires an interpreter). Whilst at Wigan his English lessons would be once a week, however since his move to Manchester United they are sometimes everyday. Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson
described Valencia as a quiet and shy boy. His older brother, Éder
, is also a professional footballer playing for Independiente José Terán
in Ecuador.
Statistics accurate as of match played 22 November 2011
Recreativo de Huelva
Manchester United
Ecuador
Ecuador , officially the Republic of Ecuador is a representative democratic republic in South America, bordered by Colombia on the north, Peru on the east and south, and by the Pacific Ocean to the west. It is one of only two countries in South America, along with Chile, that do not have a border...
ian footballer who currently plays as a winger for Manchester United
Manchester United F.C.
Manchester United Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, that plays in the Premier League. Founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford in 1910.The 1958...
and the Ecuadorian national team
Ecuador national football team
The Ecuadorian national football team represents Ecuador in international football competitions and is controlled by the Ecuadorian Football Federation. They generally play official home matches at Estadio Olímpico Atahualpa in Quito, but often play friendlies in other stadiums around the country...
. He has also occasionally been deployed as an emergency right back for Manchester United.
After progressing through the youth system at El Nacional
Club Deportivo El Nacional
Club Deportivo "El Nacional" is a Ecuadorian sports club from Quito, known best for their professional football team. The team currently plays in the Serie A, the top-flight football league in the country....
, Valencia became a first team regular and made over 80 appearances for the club before signing for La Liga
La Liga
The Primera División of the Liga Nacional de Fútbol Profesional , commonly known as La Liga or, for sponsorship reasons, Liga BBVA since 2008, is the top professional association football division of the Spanish football league system...
side Villarreal CF
Villarreal CF
Villarreal Club de Fútbol, S.A.D. , usually abbreviated to Villarreal CF or just Villarreal, is a Spanish Primera División football club based in Vila-real, a city in the province of Castellón within the Valencian Community...
in 2005. He only made two league appearances for the Spanish side in between successful loan spells at Recreativo de Huelva
Recreativo de Huelva
Real Club Recreativo de Huelva, S.A.D. is a Spanish football club based in Huelva, in the autonomous community of Andalusia. Founded on 23 December 1889, it is the oldest football team in Spain, and currently plays in the second division, holding home games at Estadio Nuevo Colombino, which has a...
for the 2005–06 season
2005–06 La Liga
* Athletic Bilbao* Atlético Madrid* FC Barcelona* Betis* Cádiz CF* Celta de Vigo* Deportivo Alaves* Deportivo de La Coruña* Espanyol* Getafe CF* Málaga CF* RCD Mallorca* CA Osasuna* Racing de Santander* Real Madrid* Real Sociedad* Sevilla FC...
and later English Premier League club Wigan Athletic
Wigan Athletic F.C.
Wigan Athletic Football Club is an English Premier League Association football club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester, having been promoted from the Championship in 2005. Wigan's current spell in the Premier League is the only top flight run in the club's history.They have played at the DW...
from 2006 to 2008. Wigan later signed Valencia on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee in January 2008. His performances for Wigan soon attracted attention from several high profile clubs and he turned down a move to Real Madrid
Real Madrid C.F.
Real Madrid Club de Fútbol , commonly known as Real Madrid, is a professional football club based in Madrid, Spain. The club have won a record 31 La Liga titles, the Primera División of the Liga de Fútbol Profesional , 18 Copas del Rey, 8 Spanish Super Cups, 1 Copa Eva Duarte and 1 Copa de la...
before signing for Manchester United
Manchester United F.C.
Manchester United Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, that plays in the Premier League. Founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford in 1910.The 1958...
in June 2009. Valencia has since won the 2009–10 Football League Cup
2009–10 Football League Cup
The 2009–10 Football League Cup, known as the Carling Cup due to the competition's sponsorship by lager brand Carling, was the 50th season of the Football League Cup, a knock-out competition for England's top 92 football clubs....
, the 2010 FA Community Shield
2010 FA Community Shield
The 2010 FA Community Shield was the 88th FA Community Shield, an annual football match contested by the winners of the previous season's Premier League and FA Cup competitions. The match was played at Wembley Stadium, London, on 8 August 2010, and contested by league and cup double winners Chelsea...
, and the 2010–11 Premier League
2010–11 Premier League
The 2010–11 Premier League was the 19th season of the Premier League since its establishment in 1992. The 2010–11 fixtures were released on 17 June 2010 at 09:00 BST. The season began on 14 August 2010, and ended on 22 May 2011...
during his time at Manchester United, along with being voted into PFA Team of the Year
PFA Team of the Year
The Professional Footballers' Association Team of the Year is an annual award given to a set of 44 footballers in the top four tiers of English football; the Premier League, the Championship, League One and League Two, whom are seen to be deserving of being named in a "Team of the Year".The award...
in his debut season.
Valencia made his Ecuador debut in 2005 and scored two goals in the process. He represented his country at the 2006 FIFA World Cup
2006 FIFA World Cup
The 2006 FIFA World Cup was the 18th FIFA World Cup, the quadrennial international football world championship tournament. It was held from 9 June to 9 July 2006 in Germany, which won the right to host the event in July 2000. Teams representing 198 national football associations from all six...
, the 2007 Copa América and the 2011 Copa América
2011 Copa América
The 2011 Campeonato Sudamericano Copa América, better known as the 2011 Copa América or the Copa América Argentina 2011, was the 43rd edition of the Copa América, the main international football tournament for national teams in South America...
. Since making his debut, Valencia has won 49 caps and scored six goals for his country.
Early life
Valencia was born on 4 August 1985 in Nueva LojaNueva Loja
Nueva Loja, is the capital of the province of Sucumbíos in Ecuador. It was founded in the 1960s as a base camp of Texaco. The official population estimate as of 1995 was 19,262 and as of 2009 its population is calculated to be 26,004....
, also known as Lago Agrio, Ecuador
Ecuador
Ecuador , officially the Republic of Ecuador is a representative democratic republic in South America, bordered by Colombia on the north, Peru on the east and south, and by the Pacific Ocean to the west. It is one of only two countries in South America, along with Chile, that do not have a border...
, which is located in the Amazon Rainforest
Amazon Rainforest
The Amazon Rainforest , also known in English as Amazonia or the Amazon Jungle, is a moist broadleaf forest that covers most of the Amazon Basin of South America...
. Valencia helped his mother sell drinks outside the stadium of his local club at Lago Agrio and would then search for empty bottles for his father to sell to a bottle-deposit in the capital, Quito
Quito
San Francisco de Quito, most often called Quito , is the capital city of Ecuador in northwestern South America. It is located in north-central Ecuador in the Guayllabamba river basin, on the eastern slopes of Pichincha, an active stratovolcano in the Andes mountains...
. Valencia used to play barefoot on the pitch next to the bungalow he shared with his parents, five brothers and sister.
When Valencia was aged 11, scout Pedro "Papi" Perlaza spotted him playing on a dusty field near his home, and signed him to the local FA-run sports academy in Sucumbíos
Sucumbíos Province
Sucumbíos is a province in northeast Ecuador. The capital and largest city is Nueva Loja . It is the fifth largest province in the country, with an area of 18,009 km²...
. At the age of 16, Valencia didn't tell his father he left home to take up an offer to play for El Nacional
Club Deportivo El Nacional
Club Deportivo "El Nacional" is a Ecuadorian sports club from Quito, known best for their professional football team. The team currently plays in the Serie A, the top-flight football league in the country....
, the military-backed club in Quito. Nobody knew about Valencia’s decision, except his mother and his elder brother, Carlos Alfredo, who paid the fare for his eight-hour bus journey. Valencia began in central midfield and on a salary of 50 dollars a month.
Early career
Valencia started his career at El Nacional and within a year, he was fast-tracked into the Under 20s, where he played alongside striker Christian "Chucho"’ Benítez and scored 20 goals in 84 matches. Valencia made his debut for El Nacional alonsgside his idol Édison MéndezEdison Méndez
Édison Vicente Méndez Méndez is an Ecuadorian football midfielder who plays for Emelec and the Ecuadorian national team.-Playing style:...
. Valencia moved to Spanish club Villarreal
Villarreal CF
Villarreal Club de Fútbol, S.A.D. , usually abbreviated to Villarreal CF or just Villarreal, is a Spanish Primera División football club based in Vila-real, a city in the province of Castellón within the Valencian Community...
in 2005. After failing to break into the first-team, however, he was loaned to Recreativo de Huelva
Recreativo de Huelva
Real Club Recreativo de Huelva, S.A.D. is a Spanish football club based in Huelva, in the autonomous community of Andalusia. Founded on 23 December 1889, it is the oldest football team in Spain, and currently plays in the second division, holding home games at Estadio Nuevo Colombino, which has a...
to gain experience. Valencia helped Recreativo gain promotion to La Liga
La Liga
The Primera División of the Liga Nacional de Fútbol Profesional , commonly known as La Liga or, for sponsorship reasons, Liga BBVA since 2008, is the top professional association football division of the Spanish football league system...
as they finished the season top of the table.
Wigan Athletic
On 3 August 2006, Valencia joined English Premier League club Wigan AthleticWigan Athletic F.C.
Wigan Athletic Football Club is an English Premier League Association football club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester, having been promoted from the Championship in 2005. Wigan's current spell in the Premier League is the only top flight run in the club's history.They have played at the DW...
, initially on a year long loan deal. He made his debut for Wigan on 19 August, in a 2–1 loss away to Newcastle United
Newcastle United F.C.
Newcastle United Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear. The club was founded in 1892 by the merger of Newcastle East End and Newcastle West End, and has played at its current home ground, St James' Park, since the merger...
. His first goal for Wigan came in a 4–0 home win over Manchester City
Manchester City F.C.
Manchester City Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Manchester. Founded in 1880 as St. Mark's , they became Ardwick Association Football Club in 1887 and Manchester City in 1894...
on 21 October. Valencia returned after a three-month absence as he played 78 minutes of a 2–0 home loss to Everton
Everton F.C.
Everton Football Club are an English professional association football club from the city of Liverpool. The club competes in the Premier League, the highest level of English football...
on 21 January 2007. Valencia was sent off for the first time for Wigan on 9 April, receiving a straight red card for a two-footed challenge on Wilfred Bouma
Wilfred Bouma
Wilfred Bouma is a Dutch footballer who plays for PSV Eindhoven. Bouma is a technically refined left back/centre back who is known for his hard working nature, defensive positioning and tackling ability.-Early career:...
during a 1–1 away draw against Aston Villa
Aston Villa F.C.
Aston Villa Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Witton, Birmingham. The club was founded in 1874 and have played at their current home ground, Villa Park, since 1897. Aston Villa were founder members of The Football League in 1888. They were also founder...
. Valencia ended his first season with one goal, one assist and one red card in his 22 appearances.
The loan was extended into the following season, and on 18 January 2008 he transferred for an undisclosed fee, signing a three-and-a-half-year contract. The deal was said to be worth around £
Pound sterling
The pound sterling , commonly called the pound, is the official currency of the United Kingdom, its Crown Dependencies and the British Overseas Territories of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, British Antarctic Territory and Tristan da Cunha. It is subdivided into 100 pence...
5 million. Valencia scored his first goal of the 2007–08 season in a 2–0 win over Derby County
Derby County F.C.
Derby County Football Club is an English football based in Derby. the club play in the Football League Championship and is notable as being one of the twelve founder members of the Football League in 1888 and is, therefore, one of only ten clubs to have competed in every season of the English...
on 23 February, before netting his first Wigan brace in a 2–0 away victory over Aston Villa on 3 May. Valencia ended the season with three goals and three assists in 32 appearances in all competitions.
Valencia's first goal of the following season came in Wigan's 5–0 away victory over Hull City
Hull City A.F.C.
Hull City Association Football Club is an English association football club based in Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, founded in 1904. The club participates in the Football League Championship, the second tier of English football...
on 30 August. He then grabbed a goal in the 2–1 home win over Manchester City on 28 September, but followed it up by receiving a red card in the 3–2 loss at Liverpool
Liverpool F.C.
Liverpool Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Liverpool, Merseyside. Liverpool has won eighteen League titles, second most in English football, seven FA Cups and a record seven League Cups...
on 18 October. Valencia scored his final goal for Wigan on 13 December, as he inspired them to a 3–0 victory over Blackburn Rovers
Blackburn Rovers F.C.
Blackburn Rovers Football Club is an English professional association football club based in the town of Blackburn, Lancashire. The team currently competes in the Premier League, the top tier of English football....
. Wigan boss Steve Bruce
Steve Bruce
Stephen Roger "Steve" Bruce is an English football manager and former player. Born in Corbridge, Northumberland, he was a promising schoolboy footballer but was rejected by a number of professional clubs. He was on the verge of quitting the game altogether when he was offered a trial with Gillingham...
confirmed that Valencia turned down the chance to join Real Madrid in January 2009. On 9 February, Valencia was ruled out of action for three weeks after suffering a recurrence of a hamstring injury. In early June 2009, the Wigan chairman Dave Whelan announced that he would not force Valencia to stay at the club. Valencia scored 7 goals in 89 appearances during his time at Wigan.
Manchester United
On 30 June 2009, Valencia became Manchester United's first summer signing, having cut his holiday short to have a medical with the club. He signed a four-year contract for an undisclosed fee, rumoured to be in the region of £16 million. On 29 July, he made his debut for United and scored his first goal in the process, netting United's second in a 2–1 pre-season victory over Boca JuniorsBoca Juniors
Club Atlético Boca Juniors is an Argentine sports club based in La Boca neighborhood of Buenos Aires. It is best known for its professional football team, which currently plays in the Primera División....
in the Audi Cup
Audi Cup
The Audi Cup is a two-day pre-season football tournament that features four teams, and is staged at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, before the start of the Bundesliga season. The competition's first edition in 2009 was organised and promoted by car manufacturer Audi AG to celebrate their...
. He made his competitive debut for Manchester United in the 2009 FA Community Shield
2009 FA Community Shield
The 2009 FA Community Shield was the 87th FA Community Shield, an annual football match contested by the winners of the previous season's Premier League and FA Cup competitions...
, when he came on for the injured Nani
Nani
-People:*Nani, a Portuguese footballer who plays for Manchester United*Gianluca Nani, former technical director at West Ham United*Nanabhoy Palkhivala, nicknamed Nani, an Indian jurist and economist*Nani Roma, a Spanish rally racing driver...
in the 62nd minute. On 17 October, he scored his first competitive goal for the club, scoring United's second in a 2–1 league victory against Bolton Wanderers
Bolton Wanderers F.C.
Bolton Wanderers Football Club is an English professional association football club based in the area of Horwich in the Metropolitan Borough of Bolton, Greater Manchester. They began their current spell in the Premier League in 2001....
. His first UEFA Champions League
UEFA Champions League
The UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
goal followed four days later in a 1–0 away victory against CSKA Moscow.
Valencia provided the assist for Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney
Wayne Mark Rooney is an English footballer who plays as a striker for Premier League club Manchester United and the England national team...
's winning goal in the 2010 League Cup Final
2010 Football League Cup Final
The 2010 Football League Cup Final was the final match of the 2009–10 Football League Cup, the 50th season of the Football League Cup, a football competition for the 92 teams in the Premier League and The Football League. The match, played at Wembley Stadium on 28 February 2010, was won by...
against Aston Villa
Aston Villa F.C.
Aston Villa Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Witton, Birmingham. The club was founded in 1874 and have played at their current home ground, Villa Park, since 1897. Aston Villa were founder members of The Football League in 1888. They were also founder...
on 28 February 2010, Valencia was named Man of the Match
Man of the match
In sport, a Man of the Match or Player of the Game or Man of the Series award is given to the outstanding player, almost always the one who makes the most impact, in a particular match or series. The term was originally used more often in cricket before being adopted by other sports. This can be a...
as United won 2–1. On 25 April, Valencia was included in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year
PFA Team of the Year
The Professional Footballers' Association Team of the Year is an annual award given to a set of 44 footballers in the top four tiers of English football; the Premier League, the Championship, League One and League Two, whom are seen to be deserving of being named in a "Team of the Year".The award...
in his debut season for the club alongside team-mates Patrice Evra
Patrice Evra
Patrice Latyr Evra is a French international footballer who currently plays for English club Manchester United in the Premier League and the France national team. Originally an attacker, he primarily plays as a left back and is described as "the classic example of a modern full-back" who is...
, Darren Fletcher
Darren Fletcher
Darren Barr Fletcher is a Scottish footballer who plays as a central midfielder for English Premier League club Manchester United. He is the current captain of Scottish national team...
and Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney
Wayne Mark Rooney is an English footballer who plays as a striker for Premier League club Manchester United and the England national team...
. On 8 August, Valencia scored United's first goal in their 3–1 win over Chelsea in the 2010 Community Shield
2010 FA Community Shield
The 2010 FA Community Shield was the 88th FA Community Shield, an annual football match contested by the winners of the previous season's Premier League and FA Cup competitions. The match was played at Wembley Stadium, London, on 8 August 2010, and contested by league and cup double winners Chelsea...
.
During a Champions League game against Rangers
Rangers F.C.
Rangers Football Club are an association football club based in Glasgow, Scotland, who play in the Scottish Premier League. The club are nicknamed the Gers, Teddy Bears and the Light Blues, and the fans are known to each other as bluenoses...
on 14 September, Valencia suffered a break to his left ankle. An operation the morning after the match showed that his left ankle was fractured and dislocated, and that his ankle ligaments were damaged. On 28 February 2011, Valencia returned to training with Manchester United's first-team. He played his first game back from injury against Arsenal
Arsenal F.C.
Arsenal Football Club is a professional English Premier League football club based in North London. One of the most successful clubs in English football, it has won 13 First Division and Premier League titles and 10 FA Cups...
in the FA Cup
FA Cup
The Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is a knockout cup competition in English football and is the oldest association football competition in the world. The "FA Cup" is run by and named after The Football Association and usually refers to the English men's...
sixth round on 12 March 2011. On 9 April, he scored his first league goal of the season as he netted the second of a 2–0 home win over Fulham
Fulham F.C.
Fulham Football Club is a professional English Premier League club based in southwest London Fulham, in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. Founded in 1879, they play in the Premier League, their 11th current season...
. Days later, he scored the first goal in United's 4–1 victory against the German team Schalke 04 in the second leg of the semifinal of the 2010–11 UEFA Champions League, game in which he was selected as player of the match. On 14 May, he became the first Ecuadorian player to win the English Premier League in the 2010–11
2010–11 Premier League
The 2010–11 Premier League was the 19th season of the Premier League since its establishment in 1992. The 2010–11 fixtures were released on 17 June 2010 at 09:00 BST. The season began on 14 August 2010, and ended on 22 May 2011...
season. Valencia was a starter in United's 3-1 UEFA Champions League
UEFA Champions League
The UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
final defeat to FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona
Futbol Club Barcelona , also known as Barcelona and familiarly as Barça, is a professional football club, based in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain....
, preferred instead of Nani
Nani
-People:*Nani, a Portuguese footballer who plays for Manchester United*Gianluca Nani, former technical director at West Ham United*Nanabhoy Palkhivala, nicknamed Nani, an Indian jurist and economist*Nani Roma, a Spanish rally racing driver...
in the line-up at Wembley Stadium
Wembley Stadium
The original Wembley Stadium, officially known as the Empire Stadium, was a football stadium in Wembley, a suburb of north-west London, standing on the site now occupied by the new Wembley Stadium that opened in 2007...
.
On 1 August 2011 Valencia agreed a new four-year deal with Manchester United that will keep him at the club until the summer of 2015. Prior to the start of the 2011-12 season, Valencia picked up an ankle injury on international duty with Ecuador at the Copa America
Copa América
The Copa América —previously known as South American Championship—is an international football competition contested between the men's national teams of CONMEBOL, the sport's continental governing body...
during the summer. He missed United's entire pre-season tour of the USA because of the injury. He also missed the first month of the season because of a lack of match fitness. Valencia made his first start of the season away at Benfica in the first group stage match of the UEFA Champions League
UEFA Champions League
The UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
. Then on 18 September 2011 he returned to Premier League action, replacing the injured Chris Smalling
Chris Smalling
Christopher Lloyd "Chris" Smalling is an English footballer who plays as a centre back for Manchester United and the England national team....
at right back in the 3-1 win against Chelsea
Chelsea F.C.
Chelsea Football Club are an English football club based in West London. Founded in 1905, they play in the Premier League and have spent most of their history in the top tier of English football. Chelsea have been English champions four times, FA Cup winners six times and League Cup winners four...
. He then continued to play right back in the next three games against Leeds United in the Carling Cup, away at Stoke City and home against Norwich City in the Premier League. Valencia scored his first goal of the season, in a 4th round Carling Cup tie against Aldershot Town, receiving the ball in the middle of the park and then turning and firing in from 25 yards to seal a 3-0 victory. Valencia scored his second goal of the season, the opening goal in Manchester United's Champions League fixture against Otelul Galati, the game finished 2-0.
Ecuador U20
Ecuador national under-20 football team
The Ecuadorian national under-20 football team represents Ecuador in international under-20 football competitions and is controlled by the Ecuadorian Football Federation.-History:...
, alongside Christian Benítez, where he scored 17 goals in 23 matches.
Ecuador senior team
On 27 March 2005, Valencia's gained his first international cap for EcuadorEcuador national football team
The Ecuadorian national football team represents Ecuador in international football competitions and is controlled by the Ecuadorian Football Federation. They generally play official home matches at Estadio Olímpico Atahualpa in Quito, but often play friendlies in other stadiums around the country...
and netted his first two international goals in the process, coming in a 5–2 World Cup qualifying
2006 FIFA World Cup qualification (CONMEBOL)
Listed below are the dates and results for the 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification rounds for South America. 10 teams took part, all in a single group. The rules were very simple: the teams would play against each other in a home-and-away basis, with the four teams with most points qualifying to...
win against Paraguay
Paraguay national football team
The Paraguay national football team is controlled by the Paraguayan Football Association and represents Paraguay in men's international football competitions. The team has reached the second round of the World Cup on four occasions . The 2010 trip also featured their first appearance in the...
. Three days later he scored again in a qualifying match, this time netting in 2–2 draw away to Peru
Peru national football team
The Peru national football team, known as 'el equipo inca', represents Peru in international football competition and is managed by the Peruvian Football Federation . The team competes against the other nine members of FIFA's CONMEBOL conference, which encompasses the countries of South America...
. Valencia played in all of Ecuador's 2006 FIFA World Cup
2006 FIFA World Cup
The 2006 FIFA World Cup was the 18th FIFA World Cup, the quadrennial international football world championship tournament. It was held from 9 June to 9 July 2006 in Germany, which won the right to host the event in July 2000. Teams representing 198 national football associations from all six...
matches, and was chosen as a nominee for FIFA's ideal 11 team, which recognises the top stars for every position in the World Cup. He was also shortlisted as one of the six potential candidates for the Gillette Best Young Player award. An email broadly circulated in England encouraged votes for Valencia, in an attempt to prevent Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro, OIH, , commonly known as Cristiano Ronaldo, is a Portuguese footballer who plays as a winger or striker for Spanish La Liga club Real Madrid and is the captain of the Portuguese national team...
from winning. Valencia ended up receiving the greatest number of votes in the online poll, but since the award's winner is determined by a combination of the fan vote and a judging panel, the award was eventually given to Lukas Podolski
Lukas Podolski
Lukas Josef Podolski ; born Łukasz Podolski ) on 4 June 1985 in Gliwice, Poland) is a German footballer who plays as a striker/winger for 1. FC Köln and for the German national team. He joined 1. FC Köln in 1995 where he broke into the first team in 2003 and made 81 appearances for the club before...
.
On 27 June 2007, Valencia netted Ecuador's first goal of their 2007 Copa América campaign, however they eventually lost the match 3–2 to Chile
Chile national football team
The Chilean national football team represents Chile in all major international football competitions. The team is controlled by the Federación de Fútbol de Chile which was established in 1895. They have appeared in eight World Cup tournaments and were hosts of the 1962 FIFA World Cup finishing in...
and finished the tournament bottom of their group. Valenica received hs first red card for Ecuador on 12 October 2008, during a 1–0 victory over Chile in a World Cup qualifier
2010 FIFA World Cup qualification (CONMEBOL)
The South American zone of 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification saw 10 teams competing for places in the finals which were held in South Africa. The format is identical to that used for the previous three World Cup qualification tournaments held by CONMEBOL...
. On 9 September 2009, Valencia scored his first World Cup qualifying goal, netting in a 3–1 away victory over Bolivia
Bolivia national football team
The Bolivia national football team is the national team of Bolivia and is controlled by the Federación Boliviana de Fútbol. After playing in the 1930 and 1950 World Cups, they qualified just once—in 1994...
. On 10 October 2009, he netted for the second qualifier in a row, this time netting Ecuador's single goal in a 2–1 defeat to the hands of Uruguay
Uruguay national football team
The Uruguayan national football team represents Uruguay in international association football and is controlled by the Uruguayan Football Association, the governing body for football in Uruguay. The current head coach is Óscar Tabárez...
.
On 3 July 2011, In a match against Paraguay
Paraguay national football team
The Paraguay national football team is controlled by the Paraguayan Football Association and represents Paraguay in men's international football competitions. The team has reached the second round of the World Cup on four occasions . The 2010 trip also featured their first appearance in the...
at the 2011 Copa América
2011 Copa América
The 2011 Campeonato Sudamericano Copa América, better known as the 2011 Copa América or the Copa América Argentina 2011, was the 43rd edition of the Copa América, the main international football tournament for national teams in South America...
, he suffered a sprained left ankle and was forced off at half-time.
International goals
| # | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 27 March 2005 | Estadio Olímpico Atahualpa Estadio Olímpico Atahualpa Estadio Olímpico Atahualpa is a multi-purpose stadium in Quito, Ecuador. It is currently used mostly for football matches. The stadium has a capacity of 39,816. Built in 1951, it sits at the intersection of the Avenida 6 de Diciembre and Avenida Naciones Unidas, two major streets in Ecuador's... , Quito Quito San Francisco de Quito, most often called Quito , is the capital city of Ecuador in northwestern South America. It is located in north-central Ecuador in the Guayllabamba river basin, on the eastern slopes of Pichincha, an active stratovolcano in the Andes mountains... , Ecuador Ecuador Ecuador , officially the Republic of Ecuador is a representative democratic republic in South America, bordered by Colombia on the north, Peru on the east and south, and by the Pacific Ocean to the west. It is one of only two countries in South America, along with Chile, that do not have a border... |
1–2 | 5–2 | 2006 FIFA World Cup qual. 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification (CONMEBOL) Listed below are the dates and results for the 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification rounds for South America. 10 teams took part, all in a single group. The rules were very simple: the teams would play against each other in a home-and-away basis, with the four teams with most points qualifying to... |
|
| 2 | 4–2 | |||||
| 3 | 30 March 2005 | Estadio Nacional Estadio Nacional (Lima) The Estadio Nacional of Peru is a multi-purpose stadium located in Lima, Peru. Its current capacity is 50,000 as stated by the Peruvian Football Federation. The stadium was inaugurated on 27 October 1952 for the 1953 South American Championship—replacing the Stadium Nacional—and is Peru's principal... , Lima Lima Lima is the capital and the largest city of Peru. It is located in the valleys of the Chillón, Rímac and Lurín rivers, in the central part of the country, on a desert coast overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Together with the seaport of Callao, it forms a contiguous urban area known as the Lima... , Peru Peru Peru , officially the Republic of Peru , is a country in western South America. It is bordered on the north by Ecuador and Colombia, on the east by Brazil, on the southeast by Bolivia, on the south by Chile, and on the west by the Pacific Ocean.... |
1–2 | 2–2 | 2006 FIFA World Cup qual. | |
| 4 | 27 June 2007 | Polideportivo Cachamay Polideportivo Cachamay The Polideportivo Cachamay or Centro Total de Entretenimiento Cachamay is a multipurpose stadium located on Avenida Guayana in Puerto Ordaz Bolivar State, Venezuela... , Puerto Ordaz Puerto Ordaz Puerto Ordaz is a planned city which, together with the older settlement of San Felix, forms Ciudad Guayana in Bolívar State, eastern Venezuela. Puerto Ordaz is located at the confluence of the Caroní and Orinoco Rivers and is the site of the Llovizna Falls. There are bridges across the Caroni and... , Venezuela Venezuela Venezuela , officially called the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela , is a tropical country on the northern coast of South America. It borders Colombia to the west, Guyana to the east, and Brazil to the south... |
1–0 | 2–3 | 2007 Copa América | |
| 5 | 9 September 2009 | Estadio Hernando Siles Estadio Hernando Siles Estadio Hernando Siles is a sports stadium in La Paz, Bolivia. It is the country's largest sports complex with a capacity of 42,000 seated spectators and is named after Hernando Siles Reyes, the 31st President of Bolivia... , La Paz La Paz Nuestra Señora de La Paz is the administrative capital of Bolivia, as well as the departmental capital of the La Paz Department, and the second largest city in the country after Santa Cruz de la Sierra... , Bolivia Bolivia Bolivia officially known as Plurinational State of Bolivia , is a landlocked country in central South America. It is the poorest country in South America... |
0–2 | 1–3 | 2010 FIFA World Cup qual. 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification (CONMEBOL) The South American zone of 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification saw 10 teams competing for places in the finals which were held in South Africa. The format is identical to that used for the previous three World Cup qualification tournaments held by CONMEBOL... |
|
| 6 | 10 October 2009 | Estadio Olímpico Atahualpa, Quito, Ecuador | 1–0 | 1–2 | 2010 FIFA World Cup qual. |
Personal life
Valencia and his wife, Zoila, have a daughter named Domenica, who was born during the 2006 World Cup finals2006 FIFA World Cup
The 2006 FIFA World Cup was the 18th FIFA World Cup, the quadrennial international football world championship tournament. It was held from 9 June to 9 July 2006 in Germany, which won the right to host the event in July 2000. Teams representing 198 national football associations from all six...
. Along with former Wigan teammates Maynor Figueroa
Maynor Figueroa
Maynor Alexis Figueroa Róchez is a Honduran footballer who plays as a left back for Premier League club Wigan Athletic.-Club career:...
and Wilson Palacios
Wilson Palacios
Wilson Roberto Palacios Suazo is a Honduran footballer who plays in the Premier League for Stoke City.Born in La Ceiba, he played for Victoria and Olimpia in Honduras before moving to England where he played for Birmingham City and Wigan Athletic. In 2009 he joined Tottenham Hotspur, generally...
, Valencia began taking English lessons (although Valencia still requires an interpreter). Whilst at Wigan his English lessons would be once a week, however since his move to Manchester United they are sometimes everyday. Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson
Alex Ferguson
Sir Alexander Chapman "Alex" Ferguson, CBE is a Scottish association football manager and former player, currently managing Manchester United, where he has been in charge since 1986...
described Valencia as a quiet and shy boy. His older brother, Éder
Éder Valencia
Luis Éder Valencia Mosquera , commonly known as Éder Valencia, is an Ecuadorian footballer who currently plays as a Midfielder for Independiente José Terán. He is the older brother of Manchester United and the Ecuadorian national team Antonio Valencia.-References:...
, is also a professional footballer playing for Independiente José Terán
Club Social y Deportivo Independiente José Terán
Club Social y Deportivo Independiente José Terán, known simply as Independiente José Terán or Independiente del Valle, is a sports club based in Sangolquí, Ecuador. They are best known for their professional football team, which, for the 2010 season, have been promoted to the top-flight Serie...
in Ecuador.
Club
| Club | Season | League | Cup | League Cup | Continental | OtherIncludes other competitive competitions, including the FA Community Shield FA Community Shield The Football Association Community Shield is English football's annual match contested between the champions of the previous Premier League season and the holders of the FA Cup at Wembley Stadium. If the Premier League champions also won the FA Cup then the league runners-up provide the opposition... , UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup FIFA Club World Cup The FIFA Club World Cup is a football competition between the champion clubs from all six continental confederations.The first FIFA Club World Championship took place in Brazil in January 2000... |
Total | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||||||||
| El Nacional Club Deportivo El Nacional Club Deportivo "El Nacional" is a Ecuadorian sports club from Quito, known best for their professional football team. The team currently plays in the Serie A, the top-flight football league in the country.... |
2003 2003 Campeonato Ecuatoriano de Fútbol Serie A The 2003 Campeonato Ecuatoriano de Fútbol de la Serie A was the 46th season of the Serie A, the top level of professional football in Ecuador... |
27 | 2 | – | – | – | – | 27 | 2 | ||||||||||
| 2004 | 42 | 5 | – | – | 4 | 0 | – | 46 | 5 | ||||||||||
| 2005 | 14 | 4 | – | – | – | – | 14 | 4 | |||||||||||
| Total | 83 | 11 | |– | 4 | 0 | Villarreal Villarreal CF Villarreal Club de Fútbol, S.A.D. , usually abbreviated to Villarreal CF or just Villarreal, is a Spanish Primera División football club based in Vila-real, a city in the province of Castellón within the Valencian Community... | 2005–06 2005–06 La Liga * Athletic Bilbao* Atlético Madrid* FC Barcelona* Betis* Cádiz CF* Celta de Vigo* Deportivo Alaves* Deportivo de La Coruña* Espanyol* Getafe CF* Málaga CF* RCD Mallorca* CA Osasuna* Racing de Santander* Real Madrid* Real Sociedad* Sevilla FC... |
2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | 0 | 0 | – | 2 | 0 | ||
| Total | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |– | 2 | 0 | ||||||||||||
| Recreativo Recreativo de Huelva Real Club Recreativo de Huelva, S.A.D. is a Spanish football club based in Huelva, in the autonomous community of Andalusia. Founded on 23 December 1889, it is the oldest football team in Spain, and currently plays in the second division, holding home games at Estadio Nuevo Colombino, which has a... (loan) |
2005–06 2005–06 Segunda División -Classification 2005–06:-Relegated to Segunda División B:* UE Lleida -- Relegated to Segunda División B - Group 3* Ferrol -- Relegated to Segunda División B - Group 1* Eibar -- Relegated to Segunda División B - Group 4... |
12 | 0 | – | – | – | – | 12 | 0 | ||||||||||
| Total | 12 | 0 | |– | |– | 12 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| Wigan Athletic Wigan Athletic F.C. Wigan Athletic Football Club is an English Premier League Association football club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester, having been promoted from the Championship in 2005. Wigan's current spell in the Premier League is the only top flight run in the club's history.They have played at the DW... |
2006–07 | 22 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | – | 22 | 1 | ||||||||
| 2007–08 | 31 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | – | 32 | 3 | |||||||||
| 2008–09 | 31 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | – | – | 35 | 3 | |||||||||
| Total | 84 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 | |– | 89 | 7 | ||||||||||
| Manchester United Manchester United F.C. Manchester United Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, that plays in the Premier League. Founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford in 1910.The 1958... |
2009–10 | 34 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 9 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 49 | 7 | ||||||
| 2010–11 2010–11 Manchester United F.C. season The 2010–11 season was Manchester United's 19th season in the Premier League, and their 36th consecutive season in the top-flight of English football... |
10 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 20 | 3 | |||||||
| 2011–12 2011–12 Manchester United F.C. season The 2011–12 season is Manchester United's 20th season in the Premier League, and their 37th consecutive season in the top-flight of English football. United are defending Premier League champions, and will be aiming for an unprecedented 20th league title this season. Furthermore, they are competing... |
5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 2 | |||||||
| Total | 49 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 21 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 81 | 12 | |||||||
| Career total | 230 | 24 | 5 | 0 | 9 | 1 | 25 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 271 | 30 | |||||||
Statistics accurate as of match played 22 November 2011
Club
El Nacional- Serie A (1): 2005 Clausura
Recreativo de Huelva
- Segunda DivisiónSegunda DivisiónThe Segunda División is the lower tier of the two professional football leagues in Spain. From the season 2008-09 onwards, the name of the league is Liga Adelante.-History:...
(1): 2005–062005–06 Segunda División-Classification 2005–06:-Relegated to Segunda División B:* UE Lleida -- Relegated to Segunda División B - Group 3* Ferrol -- Relegated to Segunda División B - Group 1* Eibar -- Relegated to Segunda División B - Group 4...
Manchester United
- Premier League (1): 2010–112010–11 Premier LeagueThe 2010–11 Premier League was the 19th season of the Premier League since its establishment in 1992. The 2010–11 fixtures were released on 17 June 2010 at 09:00 BST. The season began on 14 August 2010, and ended on 22 May 2011...
- Football League CupFootball League CupThe Football League Cup, commonly known as the League Cup or, from current sponsorship, the Carling Cup, is an English association football competition. Like the FA Cup, it is played on a knockout basis...
(1): 2009–102010 Football League Cup FinalThe 2010 Football League Cup Final was the final match of the 2009–10 Football League Cup, the 50th season of the Football League Cup, a football competition for the 92 teams in the Premier League and The Football League. The match, played at Wembley Stadium on 28 February 2010, was won by... - FA Community ShieldFA Community ShieldThe Football Association Community Shield is English football's annual match contested between the champions of the previous Premier League season and the holders of the FA Cup at Wembley Stadium. If the Premier League champions also won the FA Cup then the league runners-up provide the opposition...
(1): 20102010 FA Community ShieldThe 2010 FA Community Shield was the 88th FA Community Shield, an annual football match contested by the winners of the previous season's Premier League and FA Cup competitions. The match was played at Wembley Stadium, London, on 8 August 2010, and contested by league and cup double winners Chelsea...
Individual
- Alan Hardaker TrophyAlan HardakerAlan Hardaker was an English football administrator for the Football League, a wartime Royal Navy officer, and previously an amateur footballer...
(1): 20102010 Football League Cup FinalThe 2010 Football League Cup Final was the final match of the 2009–10 Football League Cup, the 50th season of the Football League Cup, a football competition for the 92 teams in the Premier League and The Football League. The match, played at Wembley Stadium on 28 February 2010, was won by... - PFA Premier League Team of the YearPFA Team of the YearThe Professional Footballers' Association Team of the Year is an annual award given to a set of 44 footballers in the top four tiers of English football; the Premier League, the Championship, League One and League Two, whom are seen to be deserving of being named in a "Team of the Year".The award...
(1): 2009–10
External links
- Antonio Valencia profile at the Manchester United website
- Premier League profile of Antonia Valencia