Nani retires: Former Portugal and Manchester United winger calls time on career
LISBON: Former Portugal and Manchester United winger Nani announced his retirement from professional football on Sunday at the age of 38. The winger enjoyed a glittering career that spanned over two decades and brought him success at both club and international levels.
Nani joined Manchester United in 2007 from Sporting Lisbon and quickly made his mark. Over eight seasons at Old Trafford, he made 230 appearances, scoring 41 goals. His debut season was crowned with Champions League glory, as he was part of the squad that triumphed in the 2007-08 campaign. During his tenure, Nani also collected an impressive haul of domestic trophies, including four Premier League titles and two League Cups.
“The time has come to say goodbye,” Nani wrote on social media. “I have decided to finish my career as a professional player.”
Beyond his success at United, Nani represented Portugal 112 times, contributing 24 goals. He was a key player in Portugal’s victorious UEFA Euro 2016 campaign, where he captained the team in the final following Cristiano Ronaldo’s injury.
Nani’s career also included stints at clubs like Fenerbahçe, Valencia, Lazio, and Orlando City, among others. His dynamic playstyle and ability to deliver in key moments left a lasting impact on fans and teammates alike.
