WATCH: Antonio Valencia Recalls Military Training As A Teenage In Ecuador

From military training to playing at the 'Theatre of Dreams.'

Antonio Valencia has detailed his rise from being a teenage in Ecuador who was forced to do military training to playing for Manchester United.

The 31-year-old has had a brilliant season under Jose Mourinho. He's been converted as a full-back, and has made that position his own.

And ahead of kick-off in their first-leg Europa League semi-final, Valencia spoke about his upbringing and the move to Manchester which changed his life.

(Valencia details his upbringing - From military training in Ecuador to playing at Old Trafford:)

(Credit: BT Sport)

What a story. What a guy.

Valencia rose to prominence at Wigan where he excelled, prompting United to snap him up for a reported £16 million in 2009.

_{(Valencia is bestowed with captaining for the clash against Celta Vigo. Image: PA)}

He's been at Old Trafford ever since. But it's the current season where he's become a vital player for United.

Following his exploits from the right-flank, Valencia was named in the Premier League's PFA Team of the Year.

The Valencia journey continues...

Topics: valencia, Manchester United

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar is a journalist at SPORTbible. He graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA in Media Communications. He's a combat sport aficionado, and has contributed to MMA websites AddictedMMA and CagePotato. Nasir has covered some of the biggest fights, while interviewing the likes of Conor McGregor, Michael Bisping and Anthony Joshua. He's also an avid Bristol City fan.

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