Ex-Manchester United winger, Nani retires from football

Former Manchester United and Portugal winger Nani has announced his retirement from professional football.

The 38-year-old had been playing for Estrela Amadora, his hometown club, in the Portuguese Primeira Liga this season.

Nani’s last appearance on the field was on November 1st, in a match against his former club Sporting.

“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 Manchester United from Sporting CP for around £21 million in June 2007, going on to make 230 appearances and score 41 goals for the club.

His time at Old Trafford was highly successful, with Nani winning the Champions League in his debut season, as well as four Premier League titles and two League Cups over eight years.

The 2010-11 campaign was a standout year for the winger, as he was named United’s Players’ Player of the Year, selected for the PFA Premier League Team of the Year, and recorded a league-high 14 assists.

In 2014-15, Nani returned to Sporting CP on loan before leaving United permanently for Fenerbahçe the following season.

Throughout his career, Nani also played for Valencia, Lazio, returned to Sporting for a third stint, Orlando City, Venezia, Melbourne Victory, Adana Demirspor, and most recently Estrela Amadora.

On the international stage, Nani scored 24 goals in 112 appearances for Portugal, including helping his country win the 2016 UEFA European Championship.