@FootynewsThe situation Antonio Valencia faced after leaving his home in the Oriente region was stark. He departed without shoes, a detail his father only discovered two days later, while his mother and older brother were already aware of the departure. His brother stepped in to provide him with shoes and clothing before he set out, but his mindset was fixed on staying outside rather than returning home. That decision led to an eight-hour journey from Lago Agrio to Quito, where he ended up in Tumbaco. The conditions were harsh; it was very cold, and while his roommate had permission to sleep there, Antonio did not. From the Sub-20 level onward, others lent him a bed and woke them for breakfast, yet he still had to wait because he lacked the necessary permissions. Earning just $55 felt like tremendous help at the time. The first thing he did was send between $150 and $200 to his mother. She expressed happiness and gratitude upon receiving the money, which provided real assistance to the household. Everything was already improving after that transfer. #AntonioValencia

@FootynewsThe situation Antonio Valencia faced after leaving his home in the Oriente region was stark. He departed without shoes, a detail his father only discovered two days later, while his mother and older brother were already aware of the departure. His brother stepped in to provide him with shoes and clothing before he set out, but his mindset was fixed on staying outside rather than returning home. That decision led to an eight-hour journey from Lago Agrio to Quito, where he ended up in Tumbaco. The conditions were harsh; it was very cold, and while his roommate had permission to sleep there, Antonio did not. From the Sub-20 level onward, others lent him a bed and woke them for breakfast, yet he still had to wait because he lacked the necessary permissions. Earning just $55 felt like tremendous help at the time. The first thing he did was send between $150 and $200 to his mother. She expressed happiness and gratitude upon receiving the money, which provided real assistance to the household. Everything was already improving after that transfer. #AntonioValencia