"It's totally up to him. You can't hold anyone back and the gaffer knows that. You want to be at the big clubs, playing Champions League football in semi-finals like at Man United, Liverpool and Chelsea.
"Not many players get the opportunity. I didn't get that at Liverpool. They are the stages when you've finished your career that you can look back on.
"Antonio has grown, and grown. Having Wilson and Maynor here speaking Spanish has really made him come out of his shell.
"Hopefully we can talk him round into staying because he's still young and has a lot to learn."
Heskey himself can offer Valencia wise words about the opportunities at bigger clubs after his spell with Liverpool. Another former Liverpool player, Chris Kirkland doesn't want to see Valencia leave.
He added: "He's contracted to us the same as Wilson. If we don't want to sell them then we don't have to. They are massive players for us. But it's up to him and the board to decide."
Certainly Latics fans will be hoping both Valencia and Palacios stay for next season.
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