Antonio Valencia: My 10 seasons in photos

Wednesday 12 September 2018 05:00

Antonio Valencia assumed the captain’s armband from the retiring Michael Carrick in the summer and is now Manchester United’s longest-serving player.

Indeed, the 2018/19 season is the Ecuadorian’s 10th during an eventful period at Old Trafford, so we asked him to caption one photo from each of those campaigns…
2009/10: Signing for United
Antonio Valencia says

"I remember feeling anxious because I was stood next to Mr Ferguson and it was my first training day, so I was extremely nervous."

2010/11: That horror injury
Antonio Valencia says

"This is when I broke my left ankle. I had a tattoo of my daughter's name on my arm and I was looking at it when I left the pitch, as my daughter was at the stadium."

2011/12: Awards clean sweep
Antonio Valencia says

"This is the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award that I won in 2012. I won three trophies so it was a very good moment for me and I have really fond memories."

2012/13: Our 20th league title
Antonio Valencia says

"We won the Premier League in Sir Alex's final season. It was the second trophy that I'd lifted with United, so I was very happy."

2013/14: Eye-catching display
Antonio Valencia says

"During our comeback win over Olympiacos, I was headed in the eye but had to continue playing. I could only see out of one eye for the rest of the game."

2014/15: 'Juanfield'
Antonio Valencia says

"We beat Liverpool at Anfield. It was a really hard game but the team played very well and I kept the match ball as a souvenir."

2015/16: FA Cup success
Antonio Valencia says

"We won the cup with Louis van Gaal as the manager. It had been some time since United last won it, so I was very pleased to beat Crystal Palace."

2016/17: Glory in Stockholm
Antonio Valencia says

"This is after the Europa League final, which we were determined to win. The team played well, we won 2-0 and we were all delighted to lift the trophy."

2017/18: That rocket v Stoke
Antonio Valencia says

"I scored with my left foot – my first goal with my left foot for United. I was very happy to score and it helped us to beat Stoke, so it was a good result."

2018/19: Captain's pride
Antonio Valencia says

“I was representing United as captain on our pre-season tour of America and I was very proud to lead out the team."