Nani Announces Retirement from Professional Football

Former Manchester United and Portugal winger Nani has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 38.

Nani, who had been playing for his hometown club Estrela Amadora in the Portuguese top flight this season, played his final match on November 1 for Sporting, his first club.

“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 Lisbon for around £21 million in June 2007, where he made 230 appearances and scored 41 goals. During his time at United, he won the Champions League in his first season, along with four Premier League titles and two League Cups over eight seasons.

His most notable season came in 2010-11, when he was named Manchester United’s Player of the Year, included in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year, and led the league with 14 assists, more than any other player.

Nani went on loan to Sporting in 2014-15 before leaving United permanently for Fenerbahçe the following season. His club career also included stints at Valencia, Lazio, a third spell at Sporting, Orlando City, Venezia, Melbourne Victory, Adana Demirspor, and finally Estrela Amadora.

On the international stage, Nani scored 24 goals in 112 appearances for Portugal and was part of the squad that won Euro 2016.