Antonio Valencia donates salary to LDU Quito staff

QUITO - Former Manchester United defender Antonio Valencia has donated his salary to employees of LDU Quito to help them during the coronavirus pandemic, the Ecuadorian club's president said on Friday.

Esteban Paz told reporters that the 34-year-old voluntarily gave up his entire May wage upon hearing of the club's financial difficulties.

"When we told the players that we are going to withhold a percentage of their salary, Antonio Valencia told me, 'Esteban, don't worry about me, I have my life set up. Take my monthly payment and pay the administration people, who live on their salary'," Paz said.

Last month, Valencia donated thousands of dollars worth of protective gear and equipment for healthcare workers.

Paz said that several other LDU Quito player had also offered financial support to staff members and their families.

Valencia, who has been capped 99 times for Ecuador's national team, joined LDU Quito on a free transfer last July after 10 years at Manchester United.