Former Manchester United star, Antonio Valencia, has received praise for helping a young man who was about to take his own life on a bridge in Ecuador.

Valencia, who played for Man United from 2009 to 2019 and captained the team under coach Jose Mourinho, is now back in his home country after retiring from football four years ago.

He recently shared the emotional experience on social media. He explained that while driving, he saw a young man standing on the edge of a bridge, appearing ready to jump. Valencia quickly stopped his car and approached him.

In a video he posted on Instagram, Valencia can be seen talking to the man along with several police officers. Later, the young man’s family arrived at the scene.

Valencia said the incident happened on a Monday night and that it was a tough and emotional experience for him. He mentioned the man was very young and seemed to be in a very bad place mentally.

“I got out of my car and walked up to him,” Valencia wrote. “I didn’t save him, but I tried to speak to him. Luckily, he recognized me, and I tried to give him some encouraging words.”

He said the situation was difficult, but he was thankful that the man’s family arrived and convinced him not to end his life.

Valencia used the moment to speak out about mental health. He urged people to take care of their minds and hearts and reminded everyone how fragile life can be.

During his football career, Antonio Valencia won two Premier League titles and the Europa League with Manchester United. He also played for Wigan Athletic for three seasons before moving to Old Trafford.