Former Man Utd star Antonio Valencia already making waves as manager after leading his own team to silverware
ANTONIO VALENCIA has taken his first steps in coaching… by creating his own team.
The former Manchester United team founded Club Deportivo Tumbaco AV25 in his native Ecuador back in 2022.
Based in Quito, Valencia runs the club with his brother Eder Valencia.
Tumbaco wear red, in honour of Valencia’s boyhood club Club Deportivo El Nacional… and of course United.
The former wide man formulated the idea of launching his own club while chatting to late Ecuador team-mate Christian Benitez.
Valencia’s club aims to teach good habits to young people.
Upon its launch, he said: “For me, creating a soccer team is saving lives.
“It is motivating kids to practice sports and stay away from vices.”
Valencia, 38, has posted a snap of himself clutching a trophy while wearing his full club tracksuit on Instagram.
He captioned it: “Nice week for everyone, we continue working with a lot of humility and doing things right.”
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Since retiring, Valencia has seriously bulked up.
The former United skipper now boasts huge biceps.
Valencia became an Old Trafford hero with his wholehearted performances both on the wing and at right-back.
He made 339 appearances for the Red Devils between 2009 and 2019, winning two Premier League titles, an FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League – in addition to captaining the club.
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