Man United extend Valencia soccer contract

Antonio Valencia will remain at Manchester United until 2018 after the English soccer club triggered a one-year extension clause in his contract.

The 31-year-old has become a key player at Old Trafford since joining from Wigan in 2009, making 271 appearances, scoring 21 goals and winning six trophies.

Valencia, previously a winger, has established himself as Jose Mourinho's first-choice right-back and has now been rewarded with an extended stay at United.

A statement from the club read: "Manchester United have confirmed a clause has been triggered to extend Antonio Valencia's contract by one year, keeping the experienced Ecuadorian at Old Trafford until at least June 2018."

United last week announced they had triggered the extension clause in midfielder Marouane Fellaini's contract.