Cristiano Ronaldo sends message as ex-Manchester United and Portugal star Nani announces retirement
Cristiano Ronaldo has sent a message to former Manchester United and Portugal teammate Nani, who has announced his retirement from the sport. He played in the 2023-24 season with Portuguese club Estrela da Amadora, making just 10 appearances for the club and scoring one goal, before deciding to hang up his boots.
He took to his Instagram account to share the news, stating:
"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. Teşekkürler ❤️⚽️," he added.
Cristiano Ronaldo responded in the comment section, saying:
"Congratulations Nanaca👍🏽"
Like Ronaldo, the retired Portuguese winger left Sporting CP for Manchester United, where he won the UEFA Champions League in his first season. He would go on to win the Premier League four times across an eight-year stint with the club - from 2007 to 2015.
He would go on to play for clubs like Fenerbahce, Valencia, and Lazio, before leaving for the USA, where he played for Orlando City. He also played for Venezia, Australian outfit Melbourne Victory, and Turkish side Adana Demirspor.
Nani and Ronaldo shared the pitch 128 times, making 14 joint goal contributions.
When Nani opened up about denying Cristiano Ronaldo's spectacular goal
Back in 2020, Nani opened up about the events that took place after denying Cristiano Ronaldo what would have been a spectacular goal. In 2010, Portugal beat Spain 4-0, but surprisingly, Ronaldo was not on the scoresheet.
It wasn't because he did not try, though, as the legendary striker beat Gerard Pique before chipping the ball beautifully over Iker Casillas. It was already going in, but Nani, who was at the goal line, was adjudged to be offside and touched the ball right before it entered.
The goal was canceled, making Cristiano Ronaldo furious. However, Nani revealed that Ronaldo was not angry at him, telling the UTD Podcast (via Metro):
"No, I think he was angry with the referee! Everyone took it wrong, he was angry with the referee because the ball was already in and they made a bad decision. Imagine if the ball was not in and then I took it before. I was not offside, if you see that video."
"But obviously I had no intention to take the goal from him. I told him “Sorry” in that moment because it was a beautiful goal. And for me that goal still exists, you just need to cut out the part where I touched the ball!" he added.
Cristiano Ronaldo went on to play for Real Madrid, where he spent nine years and won four Ballon d'Or awards, adding to the one he won at Manchester United. He currently plays for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.