Antonio Valencia Says Thanks to The Latics

Antonio Valencia said a big thank you to Wigan Athletic for giving him the chance to play at the 'top` in world football terms as he signed for Manchester United today.

Valencia who has just returned from holiday spent the day having a medical and then going through the formalities has he first of all signed his contract with United and then he was presented to the press as Sir Alex Ferguson`s first signing of the summer.

The Ecuador international says that he is grateful to the Latics for giving him the chance to play in England and gives special mention to former boss Paul Jewell who first brought him over from Spain following a good World Cup for Ecuador at Germany 2006.

Valencia says that he hopes the transfer fee that United have paid will help the Latics financially and he says that he regrets not having the opportunity to work under new boss Roberto Martinez whom he rates as an excellent manager, Valencia told the press:


"I hope the fans at Wigan can understand that I am an ambitious guy and a chance like this might never come again for me

"I am happy that the club has benefited from the move financially because I owe Wigan such a lot. I have had a great time here.

'It was Paul Jewell who first took a chance on me and gave me the opportunity to play in England. Chris Hutchings and Steve Bruce helped me to progress and it is a shame I won`t get the chance to work with Roberto because he is a great young manager and I`m sure his style of football would have suited me.

"I hope and pray that he will help Wigan progress because this is a great club that really gave me my chance."

Thanks for some excellent memories Antonio and good luck for the rest of your career.


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