In an emotional announcement, former Portugal international and Manchester United player Nani has confirmed his retirement from professional football at the age of 38.
The Portuguese maestro, a key figure at Manchester United, celebrated a glorious career full of achievements, including four Premier League titles. Over two decades, Nani made over 700 appearances for club and country, cementing his legacy in the world of football.
Known for his extraordinary skills and flair, Nani was not just a player under the shadow of Cristiano Ronaldo; he has charted a remarkable course at Old Trafford in his own right. Combining finesse and efficiency, he scored nine goals and provided 14 assists in the Premier League during the 2010/11 season, winning United’s Player of the Season award.
On social media, Nani shared: “The time has come to say goodbye, I have decided to end my career as a professional gamer. It has been an incredible journey, and I wanted to thank every single person who has helped and supported me through the ups and downs of a career that has given me unforgettable memories. It’s time to turn over a new leaf and focus on new goals and dreams. See you soon!
Read more:
South Americans in Europe: Enzo Fernández maintains his goalscoring pace and Samuel Lino leads Atlético’s comeback
He concluded his message with a warm “Thank you” in five different languages, symbolizing the diverse paths his career took after leaving United in 2014. Over the next nine years, Nani embarked on a global adventure, representing eight clubs across six different countries.
Although he never replicated the success he enjoyed at United, Nani played a vital role in Portugal’s unforgettable Euro 2016 victory, where he found himself as one of the top scorers alongside Ronaldo. The triumph marked a historic achievement, with Portugal winning their first ever major international trophy.
Read more:
Matildas update: Fowler shines, Polkinghorne bids farewell, and Kerr continues recovery
Nani’s journey continued through spells at Fenerbahçe, Valencia, Lazio, Orlando City, Venezia and Melbourne Victory, before completing his one-year contract with Turkish club Adana Demirspor last summer. He then returned to the Portuguese top flight with Estrela.
In what turned out to be his final professional season, Nani made nine league appearances, recording a goal in a thrilling 2-2 draw against Boavista in September. Unfortunately, his last professional appearance came in a heavy 5-1 loss to Sporting CP, the team that initially nurtured his undeniable talent.
Read more:
Seville’s best team crushed by Atlético Madrid (4-3)
