Valencia signs United deal

01 August 2011 12:21
Ecuador winger Antonio Valencia has signed a new four-year deal with Premier League champions Manchester United.[LNB] The 25-year-ol is now tied to the Premier League champions until the end of the 2014/15 season.[LNB]Valencia joined United two years ago from Wigan and has gone on to make 69 appearances, scoring 10 goals.[LNB]Valencia's progress last season was stalled by an ankle injury that sidelined him for five months but, he made a successful return to Sir Alex Ferguson's first team.[LNB]He was a stand-out performer as United overturned Schalke in the Champions League semi-final and was part of the side defeated by Barcelona in the final.[LNB]Competition for places has been increased by the signing of Ashley Young from Aston Villa, but Ferguson was delighted to agree terms with Valencia on a new deal.[LNB]"Antonio has made a fantastic contribution since his arrival. His speed, crossing ability and versatility have been a big asset for us," Ferguson told United's website.[LNB]"He has a quiet, unassuming way of going about his business, which is underlined by great strength of character - as his recovery from such a bad injury last season proves."[LNB]Valencia added: "I am delighted to stay at United. Since my first day at Carrington, I have been happy here. I hope that I can continue to develop as a player.[LNB]"I am looking forward to making my contribution to helping this squad compete for more trophies."

Source: Team_Talk