In a remarkable move that blurs the lines between elite football and grassroots sport, former Manchester United captain Antonio Valencia has signed for a Sunday league team. The 40-year-old Ecuadorian icon is set to lace up his boots for Wythenshawe Vets, an over-35s side in the Cheshire Veterans Football League that boasts an astonishing roster of retired Premier League talent.
A Who's Who of Footballing Veterans
The amateur club from Greater Manchester has captured global attention by assembling a squad that reads like a Premier League hall of fame. Valencia becomes the latest high-profile addition to a team that already features recognisable names such as Danny Drinkwater, Emile Heskey, George Boyd, Maynor Figueroa, Oumar Niasse, and Papiss Cisse.
Their starting eleven is a testament to the club's incredible pulling power, reportedly driven by former Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland. Ireland has been instrumental in convincing a wealth of ex-professionals, who all live locally, to continue their footballing journeys in a relaxed, community-focused environment.
Dominance on the Pitch and Social Media Buzz
Wythenshawe Vets are not just a collection of famous names; they are a formidable force. They currently lead the Premier Division of their over-35s league, edging out Radcliffe Old Boys on goal difference despite having played three fewer games. Their prowess was on full display in a recent Manchester FA Veterans County Cup match, where they demolished Reddis North End Veterans by an incredible 18-0 scoreline, with eleven goals coming in the second half alone.
Valencia's impending debut was teased on the social media platform TikTok, with a video showcasing clips from his illustrious career accompanied by the message: "Soon to be running out at the Avensure Community Stadium very soon." This follows previous media frenzy, such as when the national press covered the team's stunning 13-0 win over South Liverpool, a match in which Papiss Cisse scored seven goals.
More Than Just a Game: Community and Mental Health
For these retired stars, the venture is about far more than winning matches. In an interview with Sky Sports, Stephen Ireland highlighted the social and mental health benefits of the project. "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," Ireland said. "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 we help each other."
The club's story continues to develop, with rumours persisting that Manchester United's all-time top scorer, Wayne Rooney, is considering joining the Sunday league stars. If true, Rooney would become the biggest name yet to turn out for this unique footballing collective, further cementing Wythenshawe Vets' status as the most glamorous amateur side in the world.
