Former Manchester United and Portugal winger Luis Nani has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 38.
Nani had been playing for his hometown club, Estrela Amadora, in the Portuguese top flight this season, but his final match came on November 1st against his first club, Sporting.
“The time has come to say goodbye. I’ve decided to end my career as a professional player,” Nani shared on social media.
“It’s been an incredible journey, and I want to thank everyone who supported me through the highs and lows during a career that spanned over 20 years and provided countless unforgettable memories. Now, it’s time to turn a new page and focus on new goals and dreams.”
Nani joined Manchester United from Sporting for approximately £21 million in June 2007, going on to make 230 appearances for the club and scoring 41 goals.
His tenure at Old Trafford was highly successful, securing a Champions League title in his first season, along with four Premier League titles and two League Cups over eight seasons.
One of his standout years came in the 2010-11 season, when he was named the club’s Player of the Year, included in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year, and led the league with 14 assists.
After a loan spell back at Sporting in 2014-15, Nani left United for Fenerbahçe the following year.
He went on to play for several clubs, including Valencia, Lazio, a third stint at Sporting, Orlando City, Venezia, Melbourne Victory, Adana Demirspor, and finally, Estrela Amadora.
On the international stage, Nani scored 24 goals in 112 appearances and was part of the Portugal squad that won Euro 2016.
