It's almost ten years since Manchester United signed Antonio Valencia from Wigan Athletic as their replacement for, quite frankly, the irreplaceable Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Ecuadorian started off at right wing for United but after a succession of injuries forced Valencia to fill in at right back, the number 25's impressive performances at the back meant that he never returned to his natural position.

The 33-year-old is now seen as a popular cult figure at the club with the fans and with the players, having won the Manchester United Players' Player of the Year on two occasions.

Despite his loyalty and popularity, United decided against a potential one-year contract extension for the full-back.

This means that barring a sudden change of circumstances, Valencia will be available on a free transfer.

The Ecuador-international returned from his home nation this week after taking some time out to recover from a calf injury.

"He definitely will not continue in Manchester," Valencia's father, Luis, told Ecuadorian media outlet El Universo, per Manchester Evening News.

"He wants a change in the air and the club is not going to renew [his contract] either. Like everything in life, everything comes to an end."

Valencia has played 338 times fro the Red Devills, bagging 25 goals in the process.

The Ecuadorian has also picked up two Premier League titles, one FA Cup, two League Cups and a Europa League.

"Arsenal, West Ham, Inter Milan and one club from China are options, but in football everything is changing," Luis added.

"He wants to choose the best option, but above all he wants to sign a contract for two years.

"Not for the money but for peace and hopefully, he told me, be hired by a team that fights for important things."

If Valencia does not have money at the forefront of his mind then China may be off the cards and despite having some recent injury problems, the Ecuadorian clearly still has a lot to give at an elite level.