Manchester United latest: Antonio Valencia signs new three-year deal to stay at Old Trafford

The deal will see Valencia stay at Old Trafford until 2017 and includes an option to extend for another year.

Joe Krishnan
Saturday 21 June 2014 11:41 BST
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Valencia has signed a new deal at Old Trafford, ending speculation of a move away from the club
Valencia has signed a new deal at Old Trafford, ending speculation of a move away from the club (GETTY IMAGES)

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Manchester United winger Antonio Valencia says he is looking forward to working under incoming manager Louis van Gaal after signing a new three-year contract to stay at the club until 2017.

The Ecuadorian winger joined from Wigan Athletic for £16 million in 2009 and has since gone on to make 191 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring 21 goals. During his time in Manchester, he has won two Premier League titles and a League Cup winner's medal.

The 28-year-old, who is currently at the World Cup with Ecuador, Manchester United's official website: "I am so happy to have signed a new deal and am looking forward to working with Louis van Gaal. There is great team spirit within the club and we are all determined to get back to winning ways.

"My time at Manchester United has been like a dream come true. To be the first Ecuadorian player to win the English Premier League was a very proud moment for me and for my country."

Valencia, like many players in the team, was criticised by the fans after a poor season for the 2012/13 Premier League champions saw them finish 7th, their lowest position since the Premier League begun.

He had been linked with a move away, with Galatasaray thought to be interested at one stage. But assistant manager Ryan Giggs has underlined Valencia's importance to the team and says he remains a key part of the plans at Old Trafford.

He said: "I'm really pleased Antonio has signed a new contract. His contribution to the team since he joined the club in 2009 has been fantastic.

"Antonio is a very powerful player with great speed and versatility. He is very professional in his approach to training and I am delighted he has committed his future to the club."

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