Antonio Valencia got rid of his agent five years ago as he had no intention of negotiating a deal to leave Manchester United or holding the club to ransom over higher wages.
In those five years, there have been times when the supporters wanted him to be sold, but his turnaround in form this season has been huge. He has been given a new contract extension at the club after his brilliant performances this season.
When Phil Jones was asked about him earlier this week, he replied: “there’s just one word for Antonio – machine! The guy is a machine.”
Jose Mourinho has also been singing the right-back’s praises, claiming there isn’t a better player in his position around.
I don’t think it is a reward, I don’t see it in this perspective. I just think he is the best right-back you can have. There is no better right-back in football. It is just for us to keep the best. I don’t think it is a reward. It is a privilege for us to have such a good player and such a good man.
Having changed from winger to right-back, Valencia struggled at times and his positioning let him down. But he is going from strength to strength under Mourinho.
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