Once a beloved Manchester United figure, Luis Nani finally decided to hang up his boots. The winger has been playing for his hometown club, Estrela Amadora, in the Portuguese top flight, Liga Nos, this season, and his final game was against his boyhood club, Sporting CP, on 1st November, which they lost 5-1. Nani officially announced his retirement via social media, stating:
"The time has come to say goodbye, I have decided to finish my career as a professional player."
"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."
The time has come to say goodbye, I have decided to finish my career as a professional player. 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… pic.twitter.com/3ZuSMrPHcR
— Nani (@luisnani) December 8, 2024
Ex-Manchester United Star Luis Nani Retires Aged 38
Nani has enjoyed a very successful football career, winning almost every major trophy a player can win at club level. Most of his football career was spent at Manchester United, where he represented them 230 times, scoring 41 goals. He won four Premier League titles, two league cups, and in his debut season the UEFA Champions League.
The Portuguese winger was a fan favorite at Old Trafford and was destined to replace the great Cristiano Ronaldo at Old Trafford. He joined United from Sporting, the same path as the iconic number seven. His most successful year with the Red Devils was the 2010-11 campaign, in which he was the club's Players’ Player of the Year and was also included in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year. He was the top playmaker in the league with 14 assists to his name.
Nani played for clubs such as Lazio, Valencia, three times for Sporting, Orlando City in the MLS, Melbourne Victory, Venezia, Adana Demirspor, and finally ended his career at Estrela Amadora in the Liga Nos. The Portuguese has made 616 top-flight football appearances during his career and has scored 128 goals. The winger also has 112 caps for his national team, Portugal, with the best moment undoubtedly winning the UEFA Euro 2016. Manchester United fans worldwide wish their beloved Portuguese winger the best for life ahead, after a successful football career.