Sunday, December 15, 2024

Former Man Utd winger Nani announces retirement

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Nani played more games for Manchester United than anyone else in his career [Getty Images]

Former Manchester United and Portugal winger Nani has retired from playing.

The 38-year-old had been playing for Estrela Amadora in the Portuguese top flight this season.

Nani’s final game came at his first club Sporting on 1 November.

“The time has come to say goodbye, I have decided to finish my career as a professional player,” he wrote on social media.

“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.”

Nani joined United from Sporting for about £21m in June 2007 and went on to play 230 times for the club, scoring 41 goals.

His time at Old Trafford was successful, winning the Champions League in his first season, plus four Premier League titles and two League Cups in eight seasons.

Nani’s standout campaign with United was 2010-11 when he was named the club’s players’ player of the year, named in the PFA’s Premier League team of the year, and his 14 league assists were more than anybody else.

He went back on loan to Sporting in 2014-15 before leaving United permanently for Fenerbache the following season.

He also played for Valencia, Lazio, Sporting a third time, Orlando City, Venezia, Melbourne Victory, Adana Demirspor and finally Estrela Amadora.

At international level, Nani scored 24 goals in 112 caps – and won Euro 2016.

Nani's club career record. .  .Nani's club career record. .  .

Nani’s club career record. . .

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