Manchester United icon Nani, renowned for his flair and unforgettable performances, has officially retired from football at the age of 38. The tricky winger, who made 230 appearances for the Red Devils, scored 40 goals during his time with the club. Nani shared the news of his retirement in an emotional video posted on his social media, bringing an end to an illustrious career.
4Nani has announced his retirement from professional football
4Former winger Nani was a cult hero at Man Utd – winning four Premier League titlesCredit: PA:Press Association
Nani has announced his retirement from football with an emotional three-minute video, revealing the end of a career that spanned over 20 years. The skillful winger, known for his flair, expressed gratitude to everyone who supported him through the highs and lows of his journey. He shared, “The time has come to say goodbye… I have decided to finish my career as a professional player.” Reflecting on his memories, he added, “It’s been an amazing ride,” and emphasized his intention to focus on new goals and dreams.
His retirement comes as a surprise, as he was still active in Portugal’s top flight with Estrela Amadora, where he made 10 appearances this season. Despite the team’s ongoing relegation battle, Nani remained a regular first-team player. His decision to retire was influenced by the recent loss of his father, prompting him to prioritize family. Nani shared that he wanted to spend more time with his loved ones, including his children, wife, and extended family, stating, “They also need me, and I need to be with them which is very important.”
Nani is most celebrated for his time at Manchester United, where he won four Premier League titles, the 2008 Champions League, and the League Cup twice. He also played a key role in Portugal’s victory at the 2016 Euros, alongside Cristiano Ronaldo. In his 230 appearances for United, he scored 40 goals.
Following his loan return to Sporting Lisbon in 2015, Nani had stints at Fenerbahce, Valencia, Lazio, Sporting again, Orlando City, Venezia, Melbourne Victory, and Adana Demirspor. Recently, he bought fourth division side SU Sintrense, which may hint at his future in football.
4Nani won the Champions League with Man Utd alongside Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Nani said: “I am very happy to be part of this project. I hope to add value to the club.”Sintrense are an opportunity for me to do something interesting.
“It is very important for me that they are close to the area where I grew up. I hope it will be a successful project.”