Man Utd hero Antonio Valencia willing to play in Championship as he targets transfer back to England
MANCHESTER UNITED hero Antonio Valencia is so desperate for a move back to England that he is willing to play in the Championship, according to reports.
The wing-back enjoyed 10 trophy-filled years at Old Trafford that ended when his contract ran out in June last year.
Former United captain Valencia is reported to have spent much of late December in London and Manchester and wants another go on these shores before hanging up his boots for good.
And it looks like his desire coincides with a finally fit-again body.
The report goes on to add that Valencia feels he has fully recovered from the thigh issues that marred most of his final season at United.
Valencia still has a year to run on his deal with LDU Quito but they are said to be willing to let him go for a small fee.
SunSport reported last June that David Beckham was looking for Valencia to join his new Inter Miami side.
The duo both had the tremendous honour of wearing the No 7 shirt at Manchester United but a move to the MLS side never materialised.
Valencia signed for United from Wigan in 2009 and won two Premier League titles, an FA Cup, two League Cups, three Community Shields and the Europa League.
He was the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year in 2011/12 and won the Players' Player of the Year in that same season and again in 2016/17.
The former Villarreal man made 277 starts - a further 61 appearances as sub - and scored 25 goals.