Antonio Valencia Joins Wythenshawe Vets Squad Packed With Premier League Legends

Antonio Valencia Joins Wythenshawe Vets Squad Packed With Premier League Legends

Playing in England's Cheshire Vets League Premier Division, Wythenshawe Vets boasts a roster that resembles an all-star Premier League alumni squad you never knew existed.

At 40 years old, Antonio Valencia — who made 339 appearances for Manchester United, won two English top-flight titles, and spent a full decade at Old Trafford — has signed with the amateur club. The Ecuadorian international will find plenty of recognizable teammates, as the squad features Emile Heskey, Marc Albrighton, Joleon Lescott, Danny Drinkwater, Papiss Cissé, Oumar Niasse, and Stephen Ireland, among other notable names.

A squad list that defies belief

Heskey tops the team's Premier League appearance tally with an impressive 516 matches across stints with Leicester, Liverpool, Birmingham, Wigan and Aston Villa. Valencia, despite his lengthy tenure at United and earlier time with Wigan, ranks second with 325 top-division appearances. Albrighton (310 matches) and Lescott trail closely behind.

The Cheshire Vets League caters to footballers aged 35 and above. Understanding that parameter makes Wythenshawe's dominance over their competition somewhat more comprehensible — though no less remarkable. The team has claimed victory in all seven opening fixtures with an astonishing goal differential of +54. Seven matches. Fifty-four goals scored more than conceded. League organizers might need to reconsider their competitive balance.

  • Emile Heskey — 516 EPL appearances, 62 England international caps
  • Antonio Valencia — 339 Manchester United matches, 2 top-flight championships
  • Marc Albrighton — 310 Premier League appearances, 1 title with Leicester City
  • Joleon Lescott — former Everton and Manchester City defender
  • Danny Drinkwater — Premier League champion with Leicester in 2016
  • Papiss Cissé & Oumar Niasse — Senegalese strikers, previously with Newcastle and Everton
  • Stephen Ireland, Maynor Figueroa, Nedum Onuoha, Cameron Jerome, Jefferson Montero

The bigger picture

According to statements made to BBC Sport, Wythenshawe operates over 80 teams spanning men's, women's and youth football programs. Having world-class players like Valencia and Heskey training at the same facilities as under-12 squads and recreational players represents a unique opportunity for a grassroots football club — and likely provides invaluable inspiration for their youth development programs beyond any silverware.

Valencia stepped away from professional football in 2021. This isn't a dramatic return to the sport. Rather, it's a 40-year-old former Ecuador international who wanted to continue playing and selected a team where his calibre wouldn't seem entirely misplaced. Based on current league standings, opposing teams aren't particularly thrilled about facing this star-studded lineup.