MANCHESTER United great Antonio Valencia has been hailed as a hero after talking a man out of a suicide attempt.
The former Red Devils captain, 39, is back in Ecuador after hanging up his boots four years ago.
Valencia spent a decade at Old Trafford, winning two Premier League titles and the Europa League.
The right-back also had three Premier League seasons with Wigan, and won 99 Ecuador caps.
He revealed his intervention earlier this week after spotting a young man preparing to leap off a bridge.
Valencia posted a video on Instagram of himself and police officers attempting to talk the man down.
He wrote: “Last night [Monday] I had an experience that was far from pleasant. A lad wanted to end his life off this bridge, and he was very young.
“I got out of my car and approached him. I did not save him, but yes, I tried to talk with him.
“Thank God he recognised me. I tried to say a few words to motivate him, and it was very difficult.
“Thank God his family members then arrived, and he decided not to take his life.
“Please, let’s take care of ourselves, our minds and our hearts.
“Mental health is very important. Please, let’s take care of all of this – life is very fragile.”
Fulham winger Andreas Pereira paid tribute to his former United teammate Valencia.
The Brazil ace wrote on Instagram: “Great work, brother.
“You always try to help others. Good job, bro.”
Valencia’s post has since received over 42,000 likes.
He also won an FA Cup and two League Cups with United after a £16million move from Wigan in 2009.
The versatile ace left the Red Devils a decade later, and ended his career with LDU Quito and Mexican club Queretaro.
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