Heartbroken Antonio Valencia asks Manchester United to let him attend Christian Benitez's funeral
Ecuador international seeks permission to miss pre-season training and return to South America to say farewell to tragic pal
Laurence Griffiths
Manchester United star Antonio Valencia wants to fly out to pal
Christian Benitez’s funeral - and miss a chunk of the champions’
pre-season programme.
Ecuador winger Valencia is distraught after hearing the news that countryman and close friend Benitez died at the age of 27 while playing in Qatar.
Benitez’s death has stunned friends and colleagues, and Valencia will ask United boss David Moyes to give him compassionate leave.
Arrangements are being made for former Birmingham striker Benitez’s funeral in his home city of Quito - and Valencia wants to attend.
Valencia played his first game of 2013-14 for United against Crewe on Monday, after being given extra time off following international duty.
The champions gave him the full 90 minutes to get his fitness increased, but now the winger may miss United's final two pre-season games.
Moyes' men play AIK Stockholm in Sweden next Tuesday, then entertain Sevilla on the Friday in Rio Ferdinand's testimonial.
Ecuador winger Valencia is distraught after hearing the news that countryman and close friend Benitez died at the age of 27 while playing in Qatar.
Benitez’s death has stunned friends and colleagues, and Valencia will ask United boss David Moyes to give him compassionate leave.
Arrangements are being made for former Birmingham striker Benitez’s funeral in his home city of Quito - and Valencia wants to attend.
Valencia played his first game of 2013-14 for United against Crewe on Monday, after being given extra time off following international duty.
The champions gave him the full 90 minutes to get his fitness increased, but now the winger may miss United's final two pre-season games.
Moyes' men play AIK Stockholm in Sweden next Tuesday, then entertain Sevilla on the Friday in Rio Ferdinand's testimonial.
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