Wythenshawe Vets are a Sunday league team full of former Premier League players who have now added another in Antonio Valencia to their star-studded squad this season
Antonio Valencia during a Manchester United Foundation charity match at Old Trafford
Antonio Valencia becomes to latest Manchester United player to join Wythenshawe(Image: James Gill - Danehouse, Getty Images)
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Antonio Valencia has joined star-studded Sunday league team Wythenshawe Vets over-35s. The ex-Manchester United captain is preparing to lace up his boots once more and link up with several former Premier League players in the Cheshire Veterans Football League.
The amateur side from Greater Manchester have captured worldwide attention after assembling a remarkable collection of retired top-flight talent under one roof. Former Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland is reportedly instrumental in attracting such a wealth of ex-professionals to the club.
Valencia becomes the latest big name to join, though he wasn't involved in their recent Manchester FA Veterans County Cup triumph. Wythenshawe demolished Reddis North End Veterans 18-0, with 11 of those goals coming after the interval.
The 40-year-old's arrival was revealed on the social media platform TikTok, teasing the Premier League champion's upcoming first appearance. The announcement showcased clips from Valencia's illustrious playing days, accompanied by the message: "Soon to be running out at the Avensure Community Stadium very soon [fire emoji]."
Their starting XI reads like a who's who of the football world. It features recognisable names such as Danny Drinkwater, Emile Heskey, George Boyd, Maynor Figueroa, Oumar Niasse and Papiss Cisse.
Before City's 3-0 victory over Liverpool last year, the national press flocked to cover the club's stunning 13-0 demolition of South Liverpool. In a thrilling top-of-the-table showdown, former Newcastle United player Cisse netted seven goals.
Oumar Niasse, Papiss Cisse, Marcel Edwards, Blake Norton, Maynor Figueroa, Dean Warburton and Emile Heskey
Emile Heskey, Maynor Figueroa, Oumar Niasse and Papiss Cisse are among the former Premier League players at Wythenshawe(Image: )
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That ignited a fierce competition with Ireland for the Golden Boot. Ireland is currently trailing Cisse by three goals, having scored 10 to Cisse's 13 in just three league matches.
Wythenshawe are leading the Premier Division in the over-35s league. They edge out Radcliffe Old Boys on goal difference despite having played three fewer games.
Inclement weather conditions have disrupted their recent fixtures. That has led to the cancellation of their last two league matches against Parklands (Widnes) and Old Strefordians Gregorians in November.
However, they made a triumphant return, scoring an impressive 18 goals. There are also rumours that Manchester United's all-time top scorer, Wayne Rooney, is considering joining the Sunday league stars.
Wayne Rooney laughing while on-air
Wayne Rooney would be by far the biggest name to turn out for Wythenshawe Vets if the rumours are true(Image: (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images))
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In a previous interview with Sky Sports, Ireland said: "We're all retired, and it's nice to get together to continue to play football, keep fit and also from the mental health side of things. A lot of lads can feel a bit stranded and alone when they come out of football. We all live in the same area, so we help each other."
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