Sport
“I’m Going to Hang Up My Boots” – Nani Announces Retirement After 19-Year Football Career
Former Manchester United winger Nani has officially announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 38.
The Portuguese star, who made a significant mark on the game over a career spanning nearly two decades, revealed the news on Sunday.
Nani, who was signed by Sir Alex Ferguson in 2007 from Sporting CP, spent a memorable part of his career at Manchester United.
His arrival was seen as part of Ferguson’s long-term vision to strengthen the squad, and during his time at Old Trafford, Nani became an essential figure.
He helped United secure several major trophies, including four Premier League titles and a UEFA Champions League trophy in 2008.
In 2015, after eight years at Manchester United, Nani left to join Turkish side Fenerbahçe on a permanent deal, marking the start of a new chapter in his career.
He would go on to play for several more clubs across different leagues, including Valencia, Lazio, and a recent stint at Estrela Amadora, which he joined in early 2024.
Throughout his 19-year career, Nani played for a total of 10 clubs, scoring 130 goals in over 620 appearances.
While his club career brought him much success, he also made an impact on the international stage, earning over 100 caps for Portugal and winning the European Championship in 2016.
In his retirement statement, Nani reflected on his remarkable journey: “As everyone knows, everything comes to an end,” he said.
“I’ve taken the time to make a very important decision, perhaps the most important 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.”
He added, “I believe it was a beautiful career, filled with many achievements.”
Former Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi has urged Victor Osimhen to avoid a move to Saudi Arabia this summer. Mikel Obi described it as a “shame” if Osimhen were to join a Middle Eastern club, believing the striker still has plenty to offer at the highest level in Europe.
Osimhen is set to return to Napoli after a successful loan spell at Galatasaray, where he netted an impressive 37 goals in 41 games. The 26-year-old is widely expected to make a permanent transfer before the start of the 2025/2026 season.
“I’m hoping he gets a chance to play in the Premier League this summer,” Mikel Obi told Metro. “I don’t want to see him heading to Saudi Arabia right now because his talent deserves to shine in Europe. “It would be a real shame to see him go there. Clubs like Arsenal, Manchester United, Juventus, and PSG could be good options for him. We’ll just have to wait and see what happens.”
Ademola Lookman has opened up about how choosing to play for Nigeria over England has been a turning point in his football journey. Born in England to Nigerian parents, the 27-year-old winger once wore the English colours at youth levels, featuring for the U-19, U-20, and U-21 teams. But in 2022, he made a bold move—switching to represent Nigeria at the senior level, debuting in a tense clash against long-time rivals Ghana.
Since then, the Atalanta star has made a name for himself in the green and white jersey. He was a key figure in Nigeria’s run to the final at the 2023 AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire, scoring three times and assisting once. His standout performances earned him the title of Africa’s best player in a ceremony held in Marrakech last December.
Reflecting on his decision in a chat with ARISE TV, Lookman said, “No doubt, choosing Nigeria changed everything for me—my career and my life. This is where I belong. I feel at home here. I’m truly a son of the soil.”
Former Spartak Moscow star Eduard Mor has shared his thoughts ahead of the upcoming international friendly between Russia and Nigeria, calling it a match to look forward to. Set to be played this Friday at 6 p.m. in Moscow, Mor believes the clash will be both exciting and filled with quality play. He praised Nigeria’s attack, describing it as one of the most dangerous on the global stage—not just in Africa.
“Nigeria are a strong side by international standards,” Mor said in a chat with Match TV. “They have players who’ve been doing well in top European clubs for years.” He pointed out that the Super Eagles’ frontline is packed with talent, saying each attacker seems to outshine the next. According to him, this balance of strength makes the team a real threat.
“Nigeria’s attackers are known around the world. They’re all strong individually, and that makes them even more dangerous as a unit. I believe this match is going to be very entertaining and full of action.” The Super Eagles go into the friendly with momentum, having recently defeated Jamaica in the Unity Cup final.
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