Premier League and Champions League winner Nani has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 38.
The Portuguese, who also was a part of the national team that won Euro 2016 in France, has opted to quit following a short spell with Estrela Amadora, who play in the Lisbon suburb in which he grew up.
Prior to that he enjoyed stints with some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Manchester United, Valencia and Lazio.
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
He wrote on X: “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!
“Obrigado. Thank you. Gracias. Grazie. Teşekkürler.”
A star at Old Trafford
Nani started out at Sporting CP 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 took in spells at Sporting, Fenerbahce, Valencia, Lazio (loan), Orlando City, Venezia, Melbourne City and Adana Demirspor.
He moved back to Estrela at the start of this season.
The highlight of his 112-cap international career came eight years ago when he was a member of the team that beat France in the European Championship final, wearing the captain’s armband after Cristiano Ronaldo went off injured in the first half.