Manchester United defender and captain Antonio Valencia is looking forward to a return to the United States of America this summer as the club prepare to jet out for their summer tour. The Ecuadorian, United’s current longest-serving player having moved from Wigan Athletic in 2009, has enjoyed a summer off after United’s FA Cup final defeat to Chelsea with his home nation not taking part in this summer’s World Cup in Russia, but appears itching to return to duties with the first team.
“Last year on tour was incredible, it was a great experience,” said Valencia in an interview with Manutd.com. “The team put in some very good performances. What I remember (about America) especially is the very warm welcome and the great feeling we got from all the supporters who turned up to see us play.
“I’m really looking forward to this year’s tour and returning to Los Angeles. Hopefully we can put on another good display and we will be fighting to get some victories. It’s important to play against high-level teams and that’s what we’re going to do this summer. It helps you in your preparation physically and you hope to come back from tour in good form for the start of the season. You want to feel prepared and in the right physical shape for the demands of the new Premier League season.”