Luis Antonio Valencia today begins a new life as a Manchester United player, but, before looking ahead to the future, the winger was keen to pay a heartfelt tribute to former club Wigan Athletic.
The Ecuadorian signed for the Reds on Tuesday, bringing down the curtain on a three-year stay at the JJB Stadium, and he admits he is forever indebted to the Latics for giving him his break in English football.
"It is quite simple, I owe Wigan everything," Antonio told the Wigan Evening Post. "Without them, there would be no Manchester United for me. The club has been fantastic for me, and I am genuinely sad to be leaving some fantastic memories and friends behind.
"Of course, I am excited to be joining one of the biggest clubs in the world, but I have to say I owe it all to Wigan. To Paul Jewell, Chris Hutchings and Steve Bruce, I say a massive thank you – and to the chairman Dave Whelan.
"I also want to say a big thank you to (Wigan manager) Roberto Martinez. I think I would have really enjoyed playing for him, but he has not opposed this move and I am grateful for that."
Antonio has adjusted to the frenetic pace of Premier League football during his stay with the Latics, and he hopes to see more foreign talents following in his footsteps.
"Wigan has been a fantastic stepping stone for me, and I would urge any other players like me to come and sign for this club, because they give players like me a chance," he said.
"They are the club who took a chance on me when I was only a young player, and who stuck by me in the early days when I was getting used to the pace and power of the Premier League.
"In return I have always given everything to Wigan so there is a big part of me that is sad to be leaving. I will always have a place in my heart for the club. Good luck to Wigan, they deserve it, and I hope they will do really well this season under Roberto Martinez."
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