Nani, a Premier League and Champions League winner, has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 38.
The Portuguese, who was also part of the national team that won Euro 2016 in France, chose to resign after a short spell with Estrela Amadora, who plays 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 journey and I wanted to thank everyone who has helped and supported me through the highs and lows of my 20+ year career and given me… pic.twitter.com/3ZuSMrPHcR
– Nani (@luisnani) December 8, 2024
He wrote on the X website: “It is time to say goodbye, I have decided to end my career as a professional player.
“It's been an amazing journey and I wanted to thank everyone who has helped and supported me through the successes and failures of my career that has lasted over 20 years and given me so many unforgettable memories. It's 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. Teşekkürler.”
Star at Old Trafford
Nani began his career at Sporting Lisbon before joining United under Sir Alex Ferguson in 2007. He enjoyed eight years at Old Trafford, helping the club win four Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2008.
After leaving United, he had a nomadic career with spells with Sporting, Fenerbahce, Valencia, Lazio (loan), Orlando City, Venezia, Melbourne City and Adana Demirspor.
He returned to Estrella at the beginning 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.
