Nani reveals reasons for playing till late 30s

Portuguese football legend Nani announced his retirement from professional football in December last year. He was 38 years old at the time and played for Estrela Amadora in his final appearance on the field in the 2024-25 season. Having made his professional debut in 2005, he has now revealed the reason for longevity in his career. 

For the unversed, Nani played football in eight different countries and his stint with Manchester United was the most talked about. He joined the Red Devils in 2007 and stayed till 2015, making a staggering 230 appearances. He went on to help Sir Alex Ferguson’s side win four Premier League titles and was also influential in the 2008 Champions League triumph over Chelsea.

Nani also won the Community Shield in 2011, two League Cups, and the 2008 FIFA Club World Cup with Manchester United. He left the club in 2015 with 41 goals across competitions and joined Fenerbahce where he stayed for a couple of years. Coming back to his comment on longevity, Nani recalled the model he saw in the Manchester United dressing room. He noted that the likes of Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes kept playing for long and proved an inspiration for him to not call it quits too early. 

“I had a lot of inspiration from other players; Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Rio Ferdinand. They kept playing until they were old, which was motivation. I didn't care if people said I wasn't the same player.

“I could have played even longer, for several more years because I didn't have injuries. I thank god for my genetics and health. I still play football - I show up to friendly games with non-professional people and they are shocked but I have fun and enjoy with my friends and family. I like to show I can still match the kids,” Nani told BBC.

Nani led Portugal to European Championship in 2016

Leading Portugal to the European Championship in 2016 is one of the biggest achievements in Nani’s career. He captained the team in the final against France after regular skipper Cristiano Ronaldo got injured. The result still ranks as the country’s greatest achievement in their football history.