Featured Image Credit: Nani/Instagram
Topics: Football, Nani, Manchester United, Serie A, Transfers
Jack Kenmare
Topics: Football, Nani, Manchester United, Serie A, Transfers
Luis Nani has made a surprise return to European football following a two-year spell with Major League Soccer side Orlando City.
The 35-year-old winger, who memorably lifted the Champions League, FA Cup and Premier League during a trophy-laden eight year spell at Manchester United, spent three seasons in the MLS, notching 28 goals and 23 assists in 77 appearances.
After leaving Old Trafford in the summer of 2015, he went on to enjoy spells at Fenerbahce, Valencia and Sporting CP.
Now, the Portuguese international will embark on a new journey with Serie A strugglers Venezia after leaving Orlando City.
Nani has penned an 18-month deal with the Italian side, who currently sit one place above the Serie A relegation zone having picked up 17 points in their opening 20 games.
The experienced winger will remain a Venezia player until the end of the 2022/23 campaign.
"I am really happy to have signed for @veneziafc!" he said on his official Instagram page. "It's great to be part of this impressive project in such a beautiful city.
"It's time to get to work and give 100% for the team and all the fans. Andiamo!"
Venezia labelled Nani as "one of the most talented wingers of his generation" when they announced his arrival on social media.
Nani, who made over 200 appearances during his time in Manchester, was a fan favourite at Old Trafford but former teammate Rio Ferdinand admitted that the winger left him frustrated, despite having 'everything'.
"I think the most frustrating thing is when you know you've got players in your team with undoubted ability - great ability, got everything - but don't consistently get that out onto the pitch," Ferdinand explained in an interview with Ball Street.
"Nani was a great player. I remember he started one of the seasons like a house on fire and he definitely would have won player of the year if he continued that vein of form.
"He just go sidetracked, I don't know, he just didn't do it all the time. He could shoot better than anybody, left and right, and so hard with both feet but he wasn't consistent with it.
"One would go over here, one would go there. You'd say: 'hit the target man, you don't have to hit it so hard,' but it's about getting all of that in one place at the same time."
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