Premier League and Champions League winner Nani has announced his retirement from professional football aged 38.
The Portuguese, who was also part of France’s Euro 2016-winning national team, opted to step down after a short spell with Estrela Amadora, who play in the Lisbon suburb where he grew up.
Before that he enjoyed spells with some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Manchester United, Valencia and Lazio.
It’s time to say goodbye, I’ve decided to end my career as a professional player. It has been an amazing ride and I wanted to thank every person who has helped and supported me through the highs and lows during a career that has spanned over 20 years and given me… pic.twitter.com/3ZuSMrPHcR
— Nani (@luisnani) December 8, 2024
He wrote to X: “It’s time to say goodbye, I’ve decided to end my career as a professional player.
“It’s been an amazing ride and I wanted to thank every single person who has helped and supported me through the highs and lows during a career that has spanned over 20 years and given me so many unforgettable memories. Time to turn over a new leaf and focus on new goals and dreams. See you soon!
“Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. TeÅŸekkürler.”
A star at Old Trafford
Nani started at Sporting before joining United under Sir Alex Ferguson in 2007. He enjoyed eight years at Old Trafford, helping the club to four Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2008.
After leaving United, he had a nomadic career that saw him at Sporting, Fenerbahce, Valencia, Lazio (on loan), Orlando City, Venezia, Melbourne City and Antana Demirspor.
He returned to Estrela at the start of this season.
The highlight of his 112-cap international career came eight years ago when he was part of the team that beat France in the European Championship final, wearing the captain’s armband after Cristiano Ronaldo was injured in the first half.
