Antonio Valencia appears to be regularly keeping his eye on Ecuadorian football following his decision to retire as a player and he has now sent a message to one of his compatriots
20:01, 08 Mar 2026Updated 20:01, 08 Mar 2026
Vernaza was rushed to hospital in an ambulance(Image: Getty Images)
Antonio Valencia has sent a touching message to one of his Ecuadorian countrymen after he suffered a horror leg-break mid-match. Jean Pierre Arroyo Vernaza was in action for Independiente del Valle on Saturday against top-flight rivals Mushuc Runa.
But his match lasted just an hour. As he attempted to run through on goal, he was taken down by opposition defender Brian Negro.
Vernaza was left with a clear ankle injury, with his foot facing the wrong way, while he fell onto the floor and screamed in pain. Negro was shown a red card for the tackle but protested his innocence, with a mass brawl then breaking out between the two sides, with others left in tears.
Vernaza in the meantime received lengthy treatment from doctors before he was rushed to hospital in an ambulance. Former Manchester United star Valencia is among those to have offered his well-wishes following the incident, having suffered a similar injury during his time at Old Trafford.
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Taking to Twitter, he wrote: “Stay strong in these tough times, you have to come back even stronger. There is no other option, friend.”
Meanwhile, a statement from Independiente del Valle read: “Club Independiente del Valle, in light of the unfortunate injury suffered by our player Jean Pierre Arroyo Vernaza, deeply appreciates the overwhelming number of messages, expressions of affection, and concern shown by fans, clubs, and the entire football community.
“This support and solidarity are a fundamental driving force for Jean Pierre to face this moment with strength and return to the pitch stronger than ever. The club sends him all our strength and wishes him a speedy and successful recovery. The entire Independiente del Valle team and family are with him during this difficult time.”
Jean Pierre Vernaza was left with a horror ankle injury(Image: Getty Images)
Elsewhere, Negro has issued an apology in the aftermath. Speaking to Diario Ecuador, he said: “I apologize. Being faster, I caught his ankle. As a person and a footballer, I feel terrible. I’ve called to go to the hospital when things calm down, because it’s still hot.
“I hadn’t realized (what happened). Wishing him a successful operation and a speedy recovery.”
Independiente del Valle eventually went on to win 3-1. Elvis Velasco had given Mushuc Runa the lead, with Emerson Pata equalising before half-time.
Negro was sent off for his challenge on 63 minutes, with both Cristopher Angulo and Jordy Alcivar sent off following the brawl between the two sides. Independiente eventually secured victory with two late goals from Matias Mijail Perello.
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