Man Utd cult hero Nani announces retirement with emotional video after tragic death of his father
MAN UTD icon Nani has retired from football at the age of 38.
The tricky winger announced his decision in an emotional video he shared on social media.
Nani captioned the three-minute clip: “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. See you soon!”
The wideman’s announcement is seemingly a surprise given he was playing his football in his homeland in the top flight for Estrella Amadora.
Although the club are in a relegation battle, Nani had appeared 10 times this season and was considered a first team regular.
Part of Nani’s decision to retire, he revealed in his post, was down to the recent passing of his father.
That has forced him to contemplate his future – vowing to spend more with his family.
He said: “I want to make the most of my time with my children, my wife, my mother, my siblings, cousins, uncles and aunts.
“They also need me, and I need to be with them which is very important.”
Nani is best remembered on our shores for his time at Man Utd, where he won four Premier League titles, the 2008 Champions League and the League Cup twice.
He also helped his country win the Euros in 2016 alongside fellow United alumni Cristiano Ronaldo.
Nani turned out 230 times, scoring 40 goals.
In 2015, he returned to Portugal on loan with Sporting Lisbon.
Then spells at Fenerbahce, Valencia, Lazio, Sporting again, Orlando City, Venezia, Melbourne Victory, Adana Demirspor followed.
A hint where his future lies was given in the summer, when Nani bought fourth division side SU Sintrense.
Nani said: “I am very happy to be part of this project. I hope to add value to the club.
“Sintrense are an opportunity for me to do something interesting.
“It is very important for me that they are close to the area where I grew up. I hope it will be a successful project.”