Valencia: I want to win and fight for this club
As he prepares to make his 325th Manchester United appearance, Antonio Valencia says his desire to bring success to the club is as strong as ever, and the full-back stresses he feels in peak shape.
The Ecuadorian, who has regularly worn the captain's armband in the last couple of seasons, has been one of the Reds’ most consistent performers this term, just as he has been for much of his nine years at Old Trafford.
Valencia is preparing to take part in his 20th Manchester derby this weekend and the 32-year-old insists he has plenty more to give and achieve with the club.
“I’m very proud to wear the United shirt and represent this great club,” he told MUTV. “At my age as well, I’m feeling great and looking forward. I want to play every game, I want to win more, I want to fight for this club. I’m feeling good, my physical shape is great so why can’t we achieve more together?
“Thanks to God, I’ve had the opportunity to play in several derbies now and I think the important thing is that you go into it in a calm frame of mind.”
“At my age, I’m feeling great and looking forward. I want to play every game, I want to win more, I want to fight for this club.”
“It’s a great honour and a source of great pride for me to be wearing the captain’s armband for a club like Manchester United. I’m very proud of it and I hope I’m doing a good job.
“Confidence is very high,” he added, when looking ahead to Saturday's trip across town. “We’ve played some good matches and had some good results in the last four [league] games.
“Thanks to God, I’ve had the opportunity to play in several derbies now and I think the important thing is that you go into it in a calm frame of mind after so much preparation, and hopefully we come out of it happy and with the fans pleased with our performance.”
Watch the full interview with Antonio on Match Day on MUTV from 15:30 BST on Saturday.