Ex-Man Utd Captain Joins Star-Studded Sunday League Team

Antonio Valencia, the former Manchester United captain, has signed with Wythenshawe Vets, a Sunday league side boasting an impressive roster of ex-Premier League stars including rivals from Liverpool and Chelsea.[1]

Wythenshawe Vets, competing in the Manchester Saturday Veterans Football League (Division One), have become a sensation for assembling a dream team of retired professionals. The squad already features notable names like Anthony Le Tallec (ex-Liverpool), Joe Cole (ex-Chelsea and West Ham), Darren Gibson (ex-Everton), and Leon Barnett (ex-Premier League defender). This addition of Valencia elevates their status even further, drawing crowds and attention to amateur football.[1]

Valencia, the Ecuadorian winger who won two Premier League titles, the Europa League, the FA Cup, and the League Cup during his 10-year stint at Old Trafford, retired from professional football in 2021 after playing for LDU Quito. Now 36, he's thrilled to lace up again in a competitive yet fun environment. "It's great to be back on the pitch with such talented players. Wythenshawe Vets is like a Premier League reunion – we're here to enjoy football and win some silverware," Valencia said.[1]

The team, managed by former pros, plays high-intensity matches every Sunday, blending nostalgia with skill. Recent games have seen them dominate opponents, with Le Tallec and Cole starring in midfield. Fans pack local grounds, turning Sunday league into a spectacle. Upcoming fixtures include clashes against other veteran sides, promising epic battles between old foes.[1]

This unlikely gathering highlights football's enduring passion, proving that legends never truly retire – they just drop down the leagues for pure enjoyment.[1]

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