Former Portugal winger Nani, a four-time Premier League winner and Champions League victor with Manchester United, announced his retirement from professional football on Sunday.
The former Manchester United and Portugal forward had a stellar career, featuring in over 700 matches for club and country and securing numerous major trophies. Closely linked with his compatriot and United teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, Nani carved out his own legacy at Old Trafford.
A skillful winger known for his flair, Nani contributed nine goals and 14 assists in the Premier League during the 2010/11 season, earning United’s Player of the Season award as they claimed their second-most recent league title.
“The time has come to say goodbye, I have decided to finish my career as a professional player,” Nani wrote on social media on Sunday night.
“It’s been an amazing ride and I wanted to thank every single person who has helped me and supported me through the highs and lows during a career which lasted over 20 years and gave me so many unforgettable memories. Time to turn a new leaf and focus on new goals and dreams. See you soon!”
The time has come to say goodbye, I have decided to finish my career as a professional player. It’s been an amazing ride and I wanted to thank every single person who has helped me and supported me through the highs and lows during a career which lasted over 20 years and gave me… pic.twitter.com/3ZuSMrPHcR
— Nani (@luisnani) December 8, 2024
Nani concluded his post with “Thank you” written in five languages, symbolizing the diverse end to his career. After departing Manchester United in 2014, he represented eight clubs across six countries over the next nine years.
While his club career never again reached the heights of his success at United, Nani played a pivotal role in Portugal’s historic Euro 2016 triumph. Sharing the spotlight with Ronaldo, he finished as the nation’s joint-top scorer, helping Fernando Santos’ resilient side secure their first-ever major trophy.
Following spells with Fenerbahce, Valencia, Lazio, Orlando City, Venezia, and Melbourne Victory, the 38-year-old joined Turkish club Adana Demirspor on a one-year deal last summer. Following a brief period as a free agent, he returned to Portugal’s top flight with Estrela. In his 20th professional season, Nani featured in nine league matches and found the net in a 2-2 draw against Boavista in September. Fittingly, his final professional appearance came in a 5-1 defeat to Sporting CP, the club where his remarkable journey began.
Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
