In July 2013, Ecuadorian football was shaken to the core by the sudden passing of forward Christian Benitez, named 'Chucho' while he was playing with Qatari side El Jaish.
His nation's football federation decided to honor the 27-year-old--whose 24 goals make him the third-top scorer for La Tri--by retiring his no. 11 jersey. And while the entire country was in mourning, especially the football community, no player was more devastated than Manchester United's Antonio Valencia.
Nearly a year after his friend's death, Ecuador will be counting on the Red Devils midfielder who serves as captain to help guide his team in their first World Cup showing since 2006 in Germany. It was during then that they had their most successful run--making it to the round of 16.
The whole squad were crushed by the untimely death of striker Chucho Benitez in 2013
La Tri will be depending on Valencia to shake off his disappointing club form to help the team
As Premier League fans would know, the player endured a frustrating season at Old Trafford under manager David Moyes and made no secret of his desire to feature more next year.
"I would have liked to have more minutes...I'd like to have a more important role here," he was quoted as saying this past April.
"But I have not been given [that] chance [so] I hope next season will be better for me and the team."
Despite claiming he wants to stay put, the 28-year-old has been linked with an exit this summer so obviously this will also be a good chance to put himself on display for any sides that may be interested in his services.
Valencia and his teammates will definitely miss the talent of Benitez during the World Cup
However, Ecuador won't have it easy--grouped with Switzerland, Honduras, and France, the European duo have been earmarked as the clear favourites to get out of their group.
Here's the final 23 heading to Brazil, with only Cristian Ramirez the one cut from the list:
Goalkeepers: Maximo Banguera, Adrian Bone, Alexander Dominguez
Defenders: Gabriel Achilier, Walter Ayovi, Oscar Bagui, Frickson Erazo, Jorge Guagua, Juan Carlos Paredes, Cristian Ramirez
Midfielders: Segundo Castillo, Carlos Gruezo, Renato Ibarra, Fidel Martinez, Cristian Noboa, Pedro Quinonez, Luis Saritama, Antonio Valencia
Forwards: Jaime Ayovi, Felipe Caicedo, Jefferson Montero, Joao Rojas, Enner Valencia, Armando Wila
