Former Manchester United captain Antonio Valencia has put pen to paper for star-studded Sunday League outfit Wythenshawe Betts’ over-35s squad. The Ecuadorian legend is preparing to lace up his boots once again, along with a number of Premier League icons in the Cheshire Veterans Football League. The Greater Manchester amateur club attracted worldwide attention by assembling an extraordinary squad of some of the brightest talents and talents in the top flight. Former Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland has contributed to the influx of former professional players.
Valencia is a recent high-profile addition, but was absent from Manchester’s recent FA Veterans County Cup victory. Wythenshawe scored 11 goals after the interval to beat Ladies North End Veterans 18-0. The 40-year-old’s contract was published on TikTok, raising expectations for his first appearance for the Premier League champions. The announcement featured footage of Valencia’s illustrious career, along with the message: “Avansure Community Stadium will soon be gone (fire emoji).”
The starting XI appears to be a who’s who of football’s greatest names, including Oumar Niasse, Papis Cissé, Mainor Figueroa, Emile Heskey, Daniel Drinkwater and George Boyd.
Last year, national media rushed to cover the club after City’s 13-0 thrashing of South Liverpool before City beat Liverpool 3-0. In a crucial battle for the top spot, former Newcastle United striker Cissé scored seven goals, sparking a personal battle between him and Ireland for the Golden Boot.
The former Republic of Ireland international is currently three goals behind Cisse in the top scorers, having scored 10 and 13 goals respectively in just three league games.
Wythenshawe are top of the Over-35s Premier Division, level on points with Radcliffe Old Boys, but with three fewer games played they are ahead on goal difference.
Their league matches have recently been interrupted by bad weather, which has ruined their plans to play their final two league games against Parklands (Widnes) and Old Streffordians Gregorians in November.
However, they returned with considerable force, attacking 18 times. Manchester United’s record goalscorer Wayne Rooney has also reportedly thrown his hat into the ring for a possible appearance for the Sunday League veteran.
Speaking previously to Sky Sports, Ireland explained: “We’re all retired but it’s nice to be able to come together to continue playing football, to stay fit and also from a mental health perspective.”
“A lot of young people can feel a bit isolated and isolated when they take a break from football. We all live in the same area so let’s help each other out.”
