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.”
Victor Osimhen has made it onto Manchester United’s shortlist of strikers as the club prepares for a major squad shakeup under incoming manager Ruben Amorim. The Nigerian forward, currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, is expected to make a permanent move this summer.
Osimhen has been in outstanding form, finishing his loan spell with a total of 37 goals in all competitions, including his 26th in the Turkish league during Galatasaray’s 2-0 win over İstanbul Başakşehir. That match marked his final appearance for the club, as his loan deal is set to expire.
According to The Sun UK, he’s one of five attacking options being considered by United. Others on the list include Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres, Ipswich’s Liam Delap, Hugo Ekitike of Eintracht Frankfurt, and Moise Kean, who’s currently at Fiorentina. While United assess their options, reports suggest Delap is already edging closer to a move to Chelsea.
Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed he will stay at Al-Nassr this summer, signing a new contract with the Saudi club. The Portuguese forward, who just completed his third season in the Saudi Pro League, will not be taking part in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup.
At 40 years old, Ronaldo finished as the league’s top scorer for the second year running, but Al-Nassr ended the season in third place after a tough campaign and missed out on qualifying for the AFC Champions League. After their 3-2 loss to Al-Fateh in the final match of the 2024/25 season, Ronaldo had hinted at leaving the club by tweeting, “This chapter is over,” which sparked rumors linking him with moves to other teams, including Al-Hilal.
However, reports from FootMercato reveal that Al-Nassr have now agreed to extend Ronaldo’s contract, with the deal already signed. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is expected to remain with the Knights of Najd for another two seasons, continuing his journey in Saudi Arabia.
Ademola Lookman has officially presented his CAF Player of the Year award to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the president’s visit to Lagos. The Atalanta winger was welcomed by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu before meeting with President Tinubu at the Government House on Friday.
Lookman clinched the prestigious title of Africa’s best player last December at a grand event in Marrakech, Morocco, becoming the second Nigerian in a row to win it after Victor Osimhen in 2023. His standout performances at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire earned him widespread praise.
He scored three goals, provided an assist, and was a key force in Nigeria’s journey to the final. Lookman also delivered one of the most memorable performances of the season in Europe, scoring a stunning hat-trick in the Europa League final to lead Atalanta past Bayer Leverkusen.
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