Twitter reacts to Manchester United captain Antonio Valencia's announcement of departure at the end of the season

It was just a couple of hours that Antonio Valencia posted a heartfelt goodbye message to all United supporters and his fans, on his social media accounts, and the Twitterati were quick to react and bid the United defender farewell from the Theatre of Dreams.

In his last press conference, a couple of days ago, caretaker United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer commented on Valencia's injury, and his future by saying, "At the moment, he is injured and I'm not sure if the club and Antonio [Valencia] will agree on next year."

Valencia posted this message on Twitter:

Lago Agrio is a very humble town in Ecuador. When I was a child, I never imagined travel to Europe. Thanks to God for letting me play 10 years in the best club in the world: @ManUtd. Now I am focused on my recovery so I can end the season playing at Old Trafford! pic.twitter.com/ftqMLCDWlr

— Antonio Valencia (@anto_v25) March 1, 2019

Valencia, who is originally from Ecuador, was the first ever non-European player at Manchester United to play 300 games for the English giants and won 6 competitive trophies during his stint with the club.

Antonio Valencia was the first non-European player to make 300 appearances for Manchester United.🏆🏆🏆 Community Shield🏆🏆 Premier League🏆🏆 League Cup🏆 Europa League🏆 FA CupTriple centurion. 🇪🇨 pic.twitter.com/fiMagdaU5e

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) March 1, 2019

Some fans recognized his years of service for their club, and want him to end his United career by lifting a trophy.

Antonio Valencia has been a great servant to us over the years but this is definitely the right decision. He had a few really good years at right back but the last two or so has been way off the standards of a full back in the modern game. Hope he can lift a trophy as a send off.

— The Man Utd Way (@TheManUtdWay) March 1, 2019

Valencia is recovering from his injury back in his home country Ecuador and is expecting to return to England soon so that he can contribute to the team before the end of this season.

Antonio Valencia has been training in Ecuador for the past two weeks and the condition of his right calf is improving. The area has been continuously inflamed and has generated discomfort and pain. #mufc [El Comercio]

— United Xtra (@utdxtra) March 1, 2019

United fellow defender Eric Bailly made a hilarious comment expressing his affection towards Valencia.

Eric Bailly’s comment on Antonio Valencia’s Instagram post 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/uYlvTxXJWY

— Michael Tunstall (@TFWriter) March 1, 2019

Fans of other smaller Premier League clubs see the non-renewal of Valencia's contract at United as a lucrative opportunity to sign up the defender for their club on a free transfer.

Can definitely see West Ham signing Antonio Valencia & Daniel Sturridge on free transfers this summer.

— Sibs 🔰 (@SibsMUFC) March 1, 2019

As the defender vacates his position as the club captain, some have already decided on who their next captain could be.

Paul Pogba is set to replace Antonio Valencia as Manchester United’s next permanent captain. #mufc [Neil Custis]

— United Xtra (@utdxtra) March 1, 2019

United would be looking to replace Valencia with another full back this summer, for sure.

With Antonio Valencia leaving in the summer I definitely see a new RB joining us. Who would you like? #mufc

— Aidan Walsh 🔰 (@AidanWalshMUFC) March 1, 2019

Some fans have also started deciding other European clubs which could suit Valencia well.

Antonio Valencia has been a good servant. It's a perfect time to call it done. Inter or Juventus would fit him now. He has been the most cool headed person I've seen play for #mufc.

— Prophet Chijioke. (@ProphetChijioke) March 1, 2019

Some more reactions...

Thank you for all the memories Antonio Valencia. Many fans will remember his recent down years and forget that he has been a long time servant who always gave his best in a Manchester United kit. Beast. 👏🏻❤️ pic.twitter.com/XIyCT9DvfP

— Devils of United (@DevilsOfUnited) March 1, 2019

Antonio Valencia will leave Manchester United at the end of the season. An exemplary servant to the club for 10 years. 🇪🇨🔴 pic.twitter.com/55789jTMbV

— The Peoples Person (@PeoplesPerson_) March 1, 2019

Antonio Valencia appreciation tweet - what a servant he has been for the club. Was a beast during the 11/12 season. pic.twitter.com/zRDvSQubwN

— JoshGI 🇾🇪 (@JoshGI97) March 1, 2019

The past decade has been tough for Manchester United as many club legends and loyal servants have departed, including Sir Alex Ferguson, Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and now Antonio Valencia.

But the club still stands strong, and there is no doubt that even if after an end of a successful era, big European clubs still fear to travel to Old Trafford.

It is a true fact that no player or manager is bigger than the club.