Overview
- Club posts on social media that Antonio Valencia, 40, has joined its veterans side, welcoming the former Manchester United captain by name.
- Valencia retired from the pro game in 2021 after 339 United appearances and nine major trophies, having recently featured in Manchester United Legends matches.
- Wythenshawe Vets have built a roster of ex‑Premier League players, with Papiss Cisse, Emile Heskey, Danny Drinkwater, Joleon Lescott and Stephen Ireland among those to feature.
- The team leads the Cheshire Vets League with seven wins from seven and a goal difference of +54, and it added the Lancashire FA and Manchester FA veterans cups in March.
- Despite the star power, the club operates as an amateur side with no wages and small subscription fees, and media reports note outside interest from Wayne Rooney while Usain Bolt has said he would be keen to play.