Former Manchester United captain Antonio Valencia has secured a high-profile job this summer as he thanks his new employers for the trust placed in him
Antonio Valencia has a new job(Image: John Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Antonio Valencia is set to join a host of football’s biggest pundits as he takes on a commentary job at the World Cup this summer.
The former Manchester United star landed the gig with Telemundo Deportes, a Spanish-language broadcaster that works under the NBC Sports Group umbrella. Valencia will be on the TV channel’s expert panel for this summer’s major tournament taking place across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Joining him in the pundits’ gallery is Real Madrid legend Guti as well as Mexican hero Andres Guardado. The 40-year-old shared the exciting news on social media as he promised to put his best food forward for the broadcaster.
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Valencia said: “I want to thank God for this new stage, and @TelemundoSports for the trust; I’ll try to give my best. See you at the World Cup 2026.”
The TV broadcaster also posted, adding: “The Legends team is taking shape! A lot of history and talent in Telemundo’s first expert reveal for the World Cup. Who do you think will complete the team? Enjoy the 2026 FIFA World Cup starting June 11 on Telemundo and Peacock TV.”
Valencia is loved by United fans(Image: Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
Valencia will be backed by plenty of United fans as he is regarded as a club hero during his time at Old Trafford. The winger-turned-right-back spent a decade in Manchester between 2009 and 2019.
During that tenure, Valencia made 339 appearances and scored 25 goals, winning plenty of silverware. This included two Premier League titles, various domestic cups and a Europa League trophy.
The defender captained both United and his national team of Ecuador, managing 99 caps for his country over his international career.
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Valencia has consistently spoke highly of his time at United, highlighting in his retirement statement in 2021 just how much the experience meant to him. He said: “God gave me the opportunity to join Manchester United.
“I will never forget everything I experienced at Old Trafford. I will never forget every goal, every trophy, and the wonderful fans.”
Now, the former Old Trafford hero will watch on as various current United players star for their country at the upcoming World Cup.
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