Former Manchester United captain Antonio Valencia has put pen to paper with star-studded Sunday league outfit Wythenshawe Vets over-35s. The Ecuador legend is preparing to lace up his boots once more alongside a host of Premier League icons in the Cheshire Veterans Football League. The amateur Greater Manchester club has captured worldwide attention after assembling an extraordinary roster of the top-flight’s most decorated and prolific talents. Former Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland has been instrumental in attracting this influx of ex-professionals to the side.
Valencia represents the latest high-profile addition, though he was absent from their recent Manchester FA Veterans County Cup triumph. Wythenshawe demolished Reddis North End Veterans 18-0, netting 11 goals after the interval. The 40-year-old’s signing was revealed on TikTok, building anticipation for the Premier League champion’s first appearance. The announcement showcased footage from Valencia’s illustrious career alongside the message: “Soon to be running out at the Avensure Community Stadium very soon [fire emoji].”
The starting XI reads like a who’s who of football, featuring Oumar Niasse, Papiss Cisse, Maynor Figueroa, Emile Heskey, Daniel Drinkwater and George Boyd among others.
Ahead of City’s 3-0 victory over Liverpool last year, national media flocked to cover the club following their commanding 13-0 demolition of South Liverpool. In the crucial top-of-the-table encounter, former Newcastle United striker Cisse bagged seven goals as both he and Ireland ignited their own personal battle for the Golden Boot.
The ex-Republic of Ireland international currently sits three goals behind Cisse in the scoring charts, with 10 and 13 goals respectively from just three league matches.
Wythenshawe sit atop the Premier Division in the over-35s league, level on points with Radcliffe Old Boys but ahead on goal difference, having played three fewer fixtures.
Their league campaign has been disrupted recently by poor weather conditions, which scuppered plans to play their final two league fixtures against Parklands (Widnes) and Old Strefordians Gregorians in November.
However, they returned with considerable force to strike 18 times. Manchester United‘s record goalscorer Wayne Rooney has also reportedly thrown his hat into the ring to potentially turn out for the Sunday league veterans.
Speaking previously to Sky Sports, Ireland explained: “We’re all retired and it’s nice to get together to continue to play football, keep fit and also from the mental health side of things.
“A lot of lads can feel a bit stranded and alone when they come out of football. We all live in the same area so help each other.”