Everyone had been expecting the news and it has finally arrived, Valencia has gone. Antonio has signed a four-year-deal with the champions and is expected to fill the void left by Cristiano Ronaldo's move to Real Madrid. Valencia has been a great player for the club over the past 3 years and has been an important part of the squad for the past few seasons.
Signed by Paul Jewell on a season long loan deal from Villarreal in 2006, Valencia made a solid start to his career in England with a number of consistent performances, including his first goal for the club in the 4-0 demolition over Manchester City. At the end of the season, Jewell was opting out of signing Valencia on a permanent deal but after Jewell left, new boss Chris Hutchings renewed the loan before Steve Bruce made the loan move permanent in January 2008.
The move to Old Trafford is a fantastic opportunity for Antonio and every Wigan fan will wish him well on his career changing move which will see Valencia play in the Champions League for the first time in his career. The search now begins for a replacement with Albert Crusat being lined up by Roberto Martinez.
WE'RE NOW ON TWITTER - FOLLOW US - CLICK HERE
CLICK HERE FOR THE MESSAGEBOARD