Antonio Valencia’s return to his home country Ecuador hasn’t really been going as planned. The former Manchester United player was again sent off on Sunday, and is now the target of a lot of criticism from the local media.
This was the second time the right-back saw a red in only five games of the Ecuadorian league. He blames the different refereeing for being booked so often.
“I must get used to Ecuadorian football, today I didn’t touch the opponent and they sent me off,” said the former Manchester United captain after the match against Aucas (via El Comercio).
Valencia has also been criticised for his physical condition, but he claims he’s been working to be in better shape since the day he made the move.
“I’m happy, my family is happy, I keep improving. Since I arrived I have lost eight kilos.”
Outlet El Comercio says Valencia hasn’t been showing at LDU the same level he used to at Manchester United. Not everyone in Ecuador consider his performances to be ‘convincing’ enough, and his weight, along with the red cards, is certainly playing against him.
