Smith feels for Valencia
Former Manchester United midfielder Alan Smith has expressed sympathy for Antonio Valencia after the Ecuadorian suffered a grim ankle injury on Tuesday evening.
In the second half of United's home encounter with Rangers FC, Valencia dislocated and broke his ankle after a seemingly harmless challenge by Kirk Broadfoot.
"It's strange sometimes what causes serious injuries," said Smith, who suffered a similarly horrifying injury when playing for United in 2006. "Mine was caused by blocking a free-kick when there was no one near me."
Smith dislocated his ankle and broke his leg in an attempt to block a free kick by Liverpool's John Arne Riise in February 2006. The midfielder returned in September that year, but never regained his old form for United and left the club for Newcastle United
in the summer of 2007.
"I can relate to what Antonio is going through. There's no getting away from the fact it is a hard road back from an injury like that, but with determination, you can do it. It means weeks of doing virtually nothing, then long days with the specialists,
the physios and in the gym building your ankle up before you can even think about kicking a ball again."
Valencia out for most of the season
Valencia joined Sir Alex Ferguson's team last summer, faced with the daunting task of filling the shoes of recently departed winger, Cristiano Ronaldo. The winger exceeded everyone's expectations, making 29 league starts and providing clinical delivery for
Wayne Rooney from the right wing.
After undergoing surgery on Wednesday, it was said that Valencia will be out for the majority of this season. Smith said that the club's medical team will have him "in good hands," though, and that support from the United fans will be crucial.
"He will get so much support from the fans too. They were always sending me messages while I was out and I'm sure it will be the same for Antonio."
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