Antonio Valencia explains why watching Manchester United is "painful"

Manchester United veteran Antonio Valencia has admitted it is "painful" for him to watch Manchester United. The Ecuadorian right-back joined the Red Devils from Wigan in 2008 and left during the summer transfer window after spending a decade at the club. The 34-year-old managed to win two Premier League titles during his spell and had a huge role in the last three trophies United won under Jose Mourinho. In spite of his strong love towards the club, the Ecuadorian LDU Quito player admits it is hard for him to watch the club's game at the present. He told The Athletic: "Honestly, I do not watch all of the games now. It is painful for me. I try to watch but it makes me very sad. I have United in my heart: the city, the fans, 10 years of my life. It is too hard to watch the defeats. I miss being there." United have started a tough season. However, the former captain believes the Red Devils are moving to the right direction in charge of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. "He knows what a United player should be: he must have character, personality, the heart of a winner. United need to get this feeling back. When Ole Gunnar Solskjaer arrived, he came with Ferguson traits; tactically, the mentality, the players felt more free and he gave us more confidence. When the decision was made to keep him permanently, it was absolutely what the players wanted. He has been there less than a year. He is putting together a team to compete. I have no doubts he will do that. He is a very good coach, he knows what he wants, he is a disciple of Ferguson’s school, he is bringing these lessons to a new generation of players. United will be back, no question, but for me, it has all been one big dream," he added.

Source: MEN

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