Manchester United winger Antonio Valencia relieved at full recovery: I thought my speed might decrease permanently after horror injury

UEFA Champions League Semi : Antonio Valencia, Manchester United v Schalke 04

Related Links

Teams

Players

Manchester United winger Antonio Valencia admits he feared his speed would decrease permanently following the horrific leg break he sustained during a Champions League meeting with Rangers in September.

The former Wigan Athletic man suffered a broken and dislocated left ankle after landing awkwardly following a challenge from Kirk Broadfoot but insists he is now nearly back to 100 per cent fitness after an impressive string of performances.

“At first I thought my speed might decrease permanently but I spoke to the physio and he assured me I was going to make a complete recovery, which gave me a lot of confidence,” Valencia told The Sun.

“When I was injured I would sit at home watching the matches and think ‘If I were in that position, I’d do this or that’.

“Previously, the longest I’d been out was about three months and this was more than five months, so it was tough.”

Since returning to the fold two months ago the Ecuador international has been in fantastic form for the Red Devils, helping them reach the final of the Champions League, and Valencia believes his spell on the sidelines has made him appreciate the game like never before.

“Now I’m back at nearly 100 per cent and I’m happy to be involved in these big games,” he added.

“Training with the lads and playing at an exciting time of the season – it doesn’t get any better than that.

“Football is my whole life and perhaps I didn’t really appreciate that before the injury, or even while I was out. Now I enjoy every training session and every match.”