Jose Mourinho has sent a classy message to Antonio Valencia after the former Manchester United skipper announced his retirement on Thursday.
The 35-year-old, who moved to Mexican team Queretaro last November, has now called time on his career as a footballer.
Valencia spent 10 years at Old Trafford and helped the Red devils win two Premier League titles, the FA Cup, Europa League and two EFL Cup trophies at the club.
Valencia was signed by Sir Alex Ferguson from Wigan Athletic in 2009 but also played under David Moyes, Van Gaal, Mourinho and Solskjaer while at United.
After announcing his retirement, Valencia received a number of messages from former managers and teammates, including Mourinho, Rooney and Scholes.
Mourinho’s message said: ‘Antonio a pleasure to work with you and I wish you all the best. ‘You have been a champion and I only have good memories of my captain … 3 cups that you have raised cannot be removed. Big hug. JM.’
Wayne Rooney’s message to Valencia read: ‘Congratulations on a great career mate. Good luck in the next chapter.’
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Scholes said: ‘Congratulations on a brilliant career, absolutely loved playing and sharing a dressing room with you. All the best for the future x’
Robin van Persie wrote: ‘Happy retirement my friend! Was a joy to share the pitch with you, what a brilliant player & person you are!’
Javier Hernandez said: ‘I’m a lucky man to have shared part of my career with a player and a human being like you !! Thanks to you for so much man!’
Juan Mata wrote: ‘Congratulations on your magnificent career and a big hug friend, we miss you.’
Radamel Falcao said: ‘You are very great Antonio. A pleasure to share a dressing room with you. Congratulations on your career, enjoy this new stage.’
