Last week, we told you about Antonio Valencia's incredible life story. From picking up glass bottles in the streets of Ecuador to playing in front of 75,000 people at Old Trafford - the story of Manchester United full-back Antonio Valencia is like no other.
The story went viral in a matter of hours as people warmed to the remarkable journey of Valencia. Growing up in Ecuador, Antonio and his two brothers would search the streets for glass bottles. His father would then sell on the bottles to a deposit. Times were tough, but that didn't stop the youngster from realising his dream.
A week after we published the above story, Valencia has spoken about the time Manchester United expressed an interest back in 2009, and the player's modesty about his own ability has once again warmed our hearts.
In an interview with Manchester United's official website, Valencia spoke ahead of the club's FA Cup tie against his former club Wigan, and the 31-year-old revealed that he thought Wigan manager Steve Bruce was joking about the club's interest.
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"I remember Steve Bruce told me that United were interested in me but I really didn't believe him as he was always having a laugh and a joke with me. 'No, seriously, they are very interested in you,' he insisted." Valencia said.
"A couple of days before the deal was officially announced, I met with Sir Alex and, when I looked into the eyes of the manager right in front of me, I could tell that he was serious about signing me, and he gave me his word and told me everything would be sorted out.
"That was an incredible moment and that evening I didn't know whether to cry or shout or what to do. I rang my family in Ecuador and we chatted and they didn't believe me either! But thankfully it all went ahead and I joined United."
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If Valencia does make an appearance against Wigan, it will certainly be an emotional reunion with the club he joined in 2006. The full-back revealed the following about his time at former club:
"I had to work really hard and, thanks to God, I had such great team-mates alongside me on that journey, guys like [Emile] Heskey and Boycey [Emmerson Boyce]. Everyone in the dressing room helped me tremendously as I managed to settle in well and become part of the team."
"Also the supporters were great, the stadium was always full with our fans getting behind us and driving us on. It was a small town with a massively big heart."
Antonio Valencia is a top bloke.