Ex-Reds react to Valencia's retirement announcement
Antonio Valencia announced his retirement from football on Wednesday night and, in a mark of the man, tributes are flooding in from a host of former Manchester United team-mates.
The Ecuadorian’s former colleagues at Old Trafford are celebrating his sensational career as a Red, of course, yet many of them are also highlighting his tremendous qualities as a person, which tells you everything you need to know about the former club captain who did his talking on the pitch…
Wayne Rooney: “Congratulations on a fantastic career @anto_v25. Brilliant on and off the pitch. Great team-mate. Good luck in the next chapter.”
Rio Ferdinand: “What a career, what a player, what a man. One of the most humble men I know. Painfully shy but always made me smile with how shy he was! What a professional too, always doing extra training in the gym [so he could look like me]. Pleasure to play with you. Enjoy retirement Tonio.”
Robin van Persie: "Happy retirement my friend. Was a joy to share the pitch with you. What a brilliant player and person you are.”
David De Gea: “Congrats for your amazing career! Enjoy your retirement, hermano. We miss you!”
Ander Herrera: “One of the best I’ve ever played with, congratulations on that great career you’ve had and enjoy what’s coming buddy. A big hug!”
Nani: “A great team-mate, person and friend. Thank you legend for all the memories we shared playing for @ManchesterUnited. Enjoy your retirement.”
Fabio da Silva: “What a player you were, I enjoyed every moment I played alongside you. Thank you my friend.”
Rafael da Silva: “Good retirement my friend it was a pleasure to play with you. Power, speed, intelligence and a very good team-mate.”
Marcos Rojo: “Congratulations on the career you made bro. I wish you all the best in this new phase. It was a pleasure to share so many years together, you are a great person.”
Ashley Young: “Tio, what a person on and off the pitch you are. I’m so happy to call you a teammate but also a friend. Great career my bro. All the best in your next chapter.”
Everybody at Manchester United wishes Antonio well in retirement.