United complete Valencia signing
Antonio Valencia was one of Wigan's star performers last season
Also In The News
|
Andy Murray has come through a tense five set battle against Stanislas Wawrinka to reach the quarter-finals of Wimbledon. |  |
Tuesday, 30, Jun 2009 09:54
Manchester United have made their first acquisition of the summer after completing the signing of Antonio Valencia.
The Premier League champions have brought Valencia in from Wigan Athletic for an undisclosed fee, thought to be in the region of £16 million, and the player has signed a four-year contract.
"Antonio is a player we have admired for some time now, having spent the last two years in the Premier League with Wigan," manager Sir Alex Ferguson told the official United website. "I am sure his pace and ability will make a significant contribution to the team."
Valencia had been courted by both United and Real Madrid, with the Spanish giants having a number of bids turned down for the winger. The Ecuadorian international was delighted to have joined United and was looking forward to playing at Old Trafford.
"Joining Manchester United is a dream come true for me," said Valencia. "I have enjoyed my time at Wigan, but I am thrilled to have the chance to challenge for the biggest honours in club football here.
"Playing in front of 76,000 fans alongside players like Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs will be an amazing experience. I can't wait to get started."
Valencia is expected to replace Cristiano Ronaldo on the right-wing for United, although it is still unclear if the 23-year-old will be handed the famous number seven shirt vacated by Ronaldo.
After starting his career at El Nacional, Valencia moved to Villarreal in 2005, but only made two appearances for the yellow submarines before being loaned out to Recreativo de Huelva. Valencia came to Wigan on loan in 2006 and then signed permanently for the club in 2008.