Valencia teases City over possible sanctions and extra Premier titles
At Old Trafford, former right‑back Antonio Valencia smiled for the camera as he told Spanish newspaper AS that a potential punishment for Manchester City could add two Premier League titles to his résumé. "I also wonder! (laughs). If there is a sanction, I would have two more Premier Leagues on my CV," the Ecuadorian said, his words captured in a Foto: Esporte News Mundo shot.
What the sanctions could mean
The Premier League’s independent commission has concluded that Manchester City breached financial rules between the 2009/10 and 2017/18 seasons, using irregular commercial agreements to inflate revenue. The club denied the accusations and lodged an appeal in early October, but no final penalties have been announced.
Valencia’s comment refers to United’s runner‑up finishes in 2011/12 and 2017/18, seasons that fell within the period under investigation. In 2011/12 United needed City to drop points on the final day, but Sergio Agüero’s 93rd‑minute strike secured the title for City. In 2017/18 the gap was larger, with City finishing on 100 points and United on 81.
Valencia’s trophy haul
During his ten‑year spell at Manchester United, Valencia arrived in 2009 under Sir Alex Ferguson and left in 2019. He collected two Premier League crowns in 2010/11 and 2012/13, alongside a Europa League, three Community Shields, two League Cups and an FA Cup.
If the alleged titles from 2011/12 and 2017/18 were stripped from City and reassigned to the runners‑up, Valencia would see his Premier League tally rise from two to four.
Beyond the personal joke, Valencia expressed concern for English football’s reputation, urging a swift resolution to the scandal.