'It's been an amazing ride ' - Former Man Utd star announces retirement from football aged 38 after 'beautiful career'

The 38-year-old winger has decided to hang up his boots and formally announced his retirement on Sunday. Nani released a video on social media where he announced his decision to the world. 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 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. Tesekkurler."

In the video, the former United star said, "As everyone knows, everything comes to an end. I’ve taken the time to make a very important decision. Perhaps the most important decision of my professional life, which is the decision to stop playing as a professional player. I’m going to, as they say, hang up my boots. But I do so with a sense of duty fulfilled. I believe it was a beautiful career, a career filled with many achievements."

Born in Amadora, Nani joined Sporting CP's academy in 2003 and two years later made his professional debut for the club. He moved to England and joined the Red Devils in 2007 and went on to represent the Premier League giants for eight years where he won several major titles including four Premier Leagues and one Champions League trophy. In the summer of 2024, the player returned to his hometown and joined Portuguese second-division club Estrela da Amadora.

Nani will continue to remain associated with football after his retirement as he will continue to work on projects such as the Nani Football Academy in Fernao Ferro. He also owns a minority stake in Portuguese lower division club Sintrense SAD .