Former Manchester United and Portugal winger Nani has officially announced his retirement from professional football, bringing the curtain down on a career spanning more than two decades.
The 38-year-old had been turning out for hometown club Estrela Amadora in the Portuguese top flight this season, with his final appearance coming against boyhood club Sporting back on November 1st.
Softfootball understands the winger broke the news himself via social media, reflecting on a journey that took him across multiple countries and competitions.
He wrote:
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.
Nani joined Manchester United from Sporting for around £21m in 2007, going on to make 230 appearances and score 41 goals, while winning the Champions League and four Premier League titles along the way.
He also represented Valencia, Lazio, Fenerbahce, and several other clubs before eventually returning to Portugal.
At international level, he scored 24 goals in 112 caps for Portugal and was part of the squad that won Euro 2016.
