CONFIRMED: Manchester United midfielder signs contract extension

Manchester United midfielder Antonio Valencia has signed a new three year contract to extend his stay at Old Trafford.

The Ecuadorian international new deal will see him continue his stay with the 20 time English champions till 2018.

The statement read on United’s official website read, “Manchester United is delighted to announce that Antonio Valencia has signed a new three-year contract with an option to extend until June 2018.”

Valencia is with his national team for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. The former Wigan Athletic winger has admitted that he is proud to have signed a new deal and is eagerly waiting to work under United’s new manager Louis van Gaal.

“My time at Manchester United has been like a dream come true. To be the first Ecuadorian player to win the English Premier League was a very proud moment for me and for my country,” Valencia explained.

“I am so happy to have signed a new deal and am looking forward to working with Louis van Gaal. There is great team spirit within the club and we are all determined to get back to winning ways.”

Meanwhile, United’s assistant manager Ryan Giggs has expressed his delight after Valencia penned down a new deal.

“I’m really pleased Antonio has signed a new contract. His contribution to the team since he joined the club in 2009 has been fantastic,” Giggs said.

“Antonio is a very powerful player with great speed and versatility. He is very professional in his approach to training and I am delighted he has committed his future to the club.”