Manchester United legend Antonio Valencia has been praised for his courageous intervention after helping prevent a suicide attempt on a bridge in Ecuador.
The 39-year-old, who captained United during his decade at the club and retired from professional football in 2021, shared the incident on social media earlier this week. Valencia recounted seeing a young man preparing to jump from a bridge and immediately stopping his car to intervene.
Posting a video to Instagram that showed him alongside police officers and, later, the man’s family, Valencia explained:
“Last night I had an experience that was far from pleasant. A young man wanted to end his life from this bridge. I got out of my car and approached him. I didn’t save him, but I did try to talk to him. Thank God he recognised me. I said a few words to motivate him. It was very difficult.”
Valencia added that the situation was eventually de-escalated after the individual’s family arrived and he chose not to jump.
“Please, let’s take care of ourselves, our minds and our hearts. Mental health is very important. Life is very fragile.”
Valencia, who won two Premier League titles and a Europa League with Manchester United, has been widely praised for his humanity and quick action. The former Ecuador captain’s message has sparked widespread support and calls to continue raising awareness around mental health.
