Wythenshawe Betts are a Sunday League team full of former Premier League players and have added another star-studded side to their star-studded squad this season in Antonio Valencia.
Antonio Valencia becomes the latest Manchester United player to join Wythenshawe (Image: James Gill – Danehouse, Getty Images)
Antonio Valencia has joined star-studded Sunday League Over 35 side Wythenshawe Betts. The former Manchester United captain is preparing to lace up his shoes once again and link up with several former Premier League players in the Cheshire Veterans Football League.
Greater Manchester’s amateur team brought together top retired talent under one roof and attracted worldwide attention. Former Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland has reportedly been instrumental in attracting such a rich ex-professional to the club.
Valencia is a big name recent addition, although he was not involved in Manchester’s recent FA Veterans County Cup victory. Wythenshawe defeated Ladies North End Veterans 18-0, 11 of which came after the interval.
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The 40-year-old’s arrival was revealed on social media platform TikTok, teasing the Premier League champions’ upcoming debut appearance. The announcement featured clips from Valencia’s glorious playing days and included the message: “Avansure Community Stadium will soon be gone (fire emoji).”
Their starting lineup looks like someone from the world of football. Famous names include Danny Drinkwater, Emile Heskey, George Boyd, Maynor Figueroa, Oumar Niasse and Papis Cissé.
Before City’s 3-0 win over Liverpool last year, the national press flocked to cover the club’s stunning 13-0 victory over South Liverpool. Former Newcastle United player Cisse scored seven goals in a thrilling summit clash.
Former Wythenshawe Premier League players include Emile Heskey, Maynor Figueroa, Oumar Niasse and Papis Cissé (Image: )
This began a fierce competition with Ireland for the Golden Boot. Ireland currently trail Cisse by three goals, with Cisse scoring 13 points to his 10 in just three league games.
Wythenshawe lead the Premier Division in the over 35s league. Despite playing three fewer games, they defeated Radcliffe Old Boys on goal difference.
Recent matches were suspended due to bad weather. As a result, the last two league matches between Parklands (Widnes) and Old Strefordians Gregorians in November have been cancelled.
However, they made a triumphant return, scoring an impressive 18 goals. There are also rumors that Manchester United’s all-time top scorer Wayne Rooney is considering joining the Sunday League stars.
If the rumors are true, Wayne Rooney would be by far the biggest name on the Wythenshawe vet list (Image: (Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images))
In an earlier interview with Sky Sports, Ireland said: “We’re all retired, but it’s nice to be able to come together to continue playing football and keep fit and also from a mental health perspective. A lot of young people can feel a bit isolated and lonely when they come back from football. We all live in the same area so we support each other.”
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