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Player who won the Champions League with Man Utd in his first season announces retirement

Manchester United legend Nani has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 38.

The former Red Devils star had been playing for hometown club Estrela Amadora in the Portuguese top-flight this season.

His final game for the Primeira Liga club came on 1 November against Sporting Lisbon, who beat them 5-1.

Nani, who made 230 appearances for Man Utd, has now announced on social media that he has decided to end his playing career.

He thanked all the fans who helped and supported him during his career that lasted over 20 years.

The winger wrote on social media (per BBC Sport): “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 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.”

Nani started his career at Sporting before landing a move to United for £21 million in 2007 to play under Sir Alex Ferguson.

His time at Old Trafford was hugely successful, winning the Champions League in his first season before lifting four Premier League titles.

The 38-year-old made 230 appearances in all competitions for the English giants, scoring 41 goals and creating 70 assists in the process.

The 2010-11 was his standout season with United when he featured in 49 games and made 30 goal contributions.

Nani was loaned back to Sporting in 2014-15 before leaving the Red Devils permanently for Fenerbahce the following summer.

He also played for Valencia, Lazio, Orlando City, Venezia, Melbourne Victory, Adana Demirspor before ending his career at Estrela.

Nani has the distinction to represent Portugal at three European Championships, including the 2016 edition when he captained the team to victory against France in the final.

Stats from Transfermarkt

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