Nani, the decorated footballer who has won both the Premier League and the Champions League, has officially announced his retirement from the professional sport at the age of 38. The Portuguese player, who was also a key member of the national team that clinched the Euro 2016 title in France, has decided to hang up his boots after a brief stint with Estrela Amadora, a club located in the Lisbon suburb where he grew up.
Throughout his illustrious career, Nani has represented some of the biggest clubs in Europe, including Manchester United, Valencia, and Lazio. In a heartfelt message shared on Twitter, he expressed gratitude to all those who supported him during his 20-year journey in football, filled with unforgettable memories. Nani now looks forward to embarking on new goals and dreams as he bids farewell to the sport.
Nani’s football journey began at Sporting CP before he made a notable move to Manchester United in 2007 under the tutelage of Sir Alex Ferguson. During his eight-year spell at Old Trafford, he played a pivotal role in securing four Premier League titles and the prestigious Champions League trophy in 2008. Following his time at United, Nani embarked on a diverse career path, featuring stops at clubs like Fenerbahce, Valencia, and Lazio, among others, before returning to Estrela at the beginning of this season.
Notably, Nani’s international career shone brightly when he captained the Portuguese national team to victory in the European Championship final against France, stepping up after Cristiano Ronaldo’s early departure due to injury. With 112 caps to his name, Nani leaves behind a legacy of success and resilience on the football pitch.
As Nani closes this chapter of his life as a professional player, fans and admirers around the world celebrate his achievements and wish him well in his future endeavors. Obrigado. Thank you. Gracias. Grazie. Teşekkürler.