From 7 to 25: Valencia's journey with Manchester United

Antonio Valencia, the Ecuadorian winger who became a cult hero at Manchester United, has opened up about his experiences wearing the club's iconic number 7 shirt. In a recent interview, Valencia revealed the mixed emotions he felt while donning the jersey previously worn by legends such as George Best, Eric Cantona, and David Beckham.

A Dream Come True

When Valencia was offered the chance to wear the number 7 shirt, it was a dream come true. "I was coming off a good season, and I went on vacation. The manager asked me if I wanted it. If he asked me, imagine. I told him I was delighted. I was focused, I prepared," Valencia recalled. The Ecuadorian was thrilled to follow in the footsteps of such illustrious players.

A Weight Too Heavy

However, Valencia soon discovered that the pressure of wearing the number 7 shirt could be overwhelming. "We won a cup, I played really well in about five games, but then I had a back problem. I spent about six months like that and couldn't perform. I said to myself, 'I think the shirt is too heavy'," he admitted.

The Significance of Number 25

Despite the challenges he faced while wearing the number 7 shirt, Valencia has always held a special place in his heart for the number 25. "It means a lot," he said. "I had it for a long time, and now with my team, AV25, it's a number I've grown fond of." The number 25 became synonymous with Valencia's time at Manchester United, and he has continued to use it in his post-playing career.

Valencia's Legacy

Regardless of the number on his back, Valencia's legacy at Manchester United is secure. The Ecuadorian winger won numerous trophies during his time at Old Trafford, including two Premier League titles and a Europa League. He was a fan favorite and is widely regarded as one of the best players in the club's history.