Former Manchester United winger Nani has announced his retirement

Premier League and Champions League winner Nani has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 38.

The Portuguese, who was also part of the team that won Euro 2016 in France, decided to quit after a short stint at Estrela Amadora, who play in the suburbs of Lisbon where he grew up.

Before that he enjoyed spells at some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Manchester United, Valencia and Lazio.

The time has come to say goodbye, I have decided to end my career as a professional player. It has been an amazing ride and I wanted to thank every single person who has helped and supported me through the ups and downs of a career that has spanned over 20 years and given me… pic.twitter.com/3ZuSMrPHcR

— Nani (@luisnani) December 8, 2024

On X he wrote: “The time has come to say goodbye, I have decided to end my career as a professional player.

“It’s been an amazing ride and I wanted to thank every person who has helped and supported me through the ups and downs during a career that has spanned 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 started 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 2008 Champions League.

After leaving United, he had a nomadic career that spanned 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 part 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.