Valencia: I’m Not Ronaldo

(GSM)- Manchester United winger Antonio Valencia insists he is not the new Cristiano Ronaldo and is a unique player himself. Having moved to Manchester United to fill the void left by Ronaldo, he has urged the United fans not to compare his style of play to Ronaldo’s.

The Ecuador international moved to Manchester United for 16 million Pounds from Wigan Athletic in the summer. He has done well to score 4 goals in 10 matches with Manchester United since his move to Old Trafford.

However, Valencia intends to have a unique mark at United.

The 24-year-old told The Independent. “I am my own man,”

“I thought Cristiano was a very good player but I always play according to what I think and what I want to do at that particular moment and what I know. I never imitate anyone.”

“He [Ferguson] said, ‘You don’t have to follow Cristiano but you do have to work’ and I’m doing that.”

Valencia began playing football as a central midfielder and has scored 17 goals in 23 games for Ecuador’s Under 20s shortly after being drafted in the national team. He had a short spell in Spain for Villarreal.

Valencia then joined Wigan Athletic after being spotted by then-Latics manager Paul Jewel.

Valencia is eager to improve as a player with the guidance of Sir Alex Ferguson.

“He [Ferguson] told me I must concentrate more in training and in matches, that I must try to score goals at every opportunity but also help my team-mates to score,” he added.

“I’m practicing all the time. I practice with my team-mates and I like to improve and get better with it.”