Manchester United have signed Ecuadorian International Antonio Valencia from Wigan Athletic on a four year deal for £16 million.
The 23-year-old winger has undergone his medical at Old Trafford and is the first signing for the Premiership Champions since the void left by Cristiano Ronaldo following the star's £80million move to Real Madrid.
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is said to be 'delighted' that the transfer has been completed.
Ferguson added: 'Antonio is a player we have admired for some time now, having spent the last two years in the Premier League with Wigan. I am sure his pace and ability will make a significant contribution to the team.'
Valencia, who has scored 4 goals for Wigan, said: “Joining Manchester United is a dream come true for me.'
'I have enjoyed my time at Wigan, but I am thrilled to have the chance to challenge for the biggest honours in club football here.'
'Playing in front of 76,000 fans alongside players like Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs will be an amazing experience. I can’t wait to get started.'
Wigan Athletic will receive a club record fee for Antonio Valencia.
Latics Manager Roberto Martinez said he was 'disappointed,' but accepted that the transfer had become 'almost an inevitability.'
Martinez added: 'I was not here when he arrived, but Antonio has become a big star at the club. He has been a marvellous player for us and now we will benefit enormously from the money that we get for him.'
'As long as any deal is in the best long term interests of the club, and I believe this one is, then I will sanction it, and I know the Chairman agrees.'
'The bottom line here is that when two of the biggest clubs in the world come knocking, it would be near on impossible for any other club to prevent the move.'
Geoffrey Mbene, Blantyre, Malawi around 2 years, 7 months ago