Antonio Valencia joins Wythenshawe FC Vets
Wythenshawe FC Vets have secured the permanent signature of Manchester United icon Antonio Valencia, further bolstering their remarkable roster of ex-Premier League stars that has captured widespread attention online, reports BritPanorama.
Competing in the ninth tier of English football, the Cheshire-based outfit boasts a squad with a combined total exceeding 1,800 appearances in the top flight. This inclusive representation of footballing talent has significantly raised the profile of the club.
The club’s announcement on Instagram read: “We’re proud to welcome Premier League winner, Antonio Valencia to Wythenshawe Vets. A Manchester United legend. Title winner. Now wearing our badge. Welcome to the club, Antonio!”
Valencia’s addition is another step in the club’s extraordinary recruitment of former professional talent, which has seen them amass more than 30,000 followers on TikTok in recent months. Regulars in the veterans’ side include former Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland and Danny Drinkwater, who previously played for both Chelsea and Leicester City.
Newcastle United favourite Papiss Cisse has been particularly impactful, netting six goals during a decisive 11-0 victory over South Liverpool, showcasing the team’s competitive edge. These high-scoring matches and notable signings have transformed Wythenshawe FC Vets into a remarkable social media phenomenon.
Valencia, now 40, joined Manchester United from Wigan in 2009, where he had a successful ten-year spell, ultimately earning the captain’s armband. His trophy cabinet includes two Premier League titles and an FA Cup winners’ medal, marking him as one of the standout players of his era.
His arrangement with Wythenshawe has now been formalised, following appearances for the club in midweek fixtures throughout the current campaign. The club’s attractive development has also drawn interest from other high-profile figures wishing to join their ranks, including Wayne Rooney, who is reportedly eager to make an appearance for the veterans side.
Additionally, eight-time Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt has expressed his desire to become part of the Wythenshawe project, stating, “Listen, I’m ready. I’m ready. If I get into some shape, I’m ready to go.” Such endorsements from sporting royalty illustrate just how far this ninth-tier club’s reputation has spread.
As the likes of Valencia and Bolt circle around Wythenshawe FC Vets, it serves as a reminder of how the lines between professional and amateur sport can blur, inviting both nostalgia and excitement in equal measure.
