Orlando City has officially signed former Manchester United star winger Nani. The 32-year-old Portugal international has signed on a three-year contract which will make him a designated player. The two sides have been negotiating a deal after Nani was released by Sporting CP earlier this month.
“This is an exciting day for our organization,” – said Luiz Muzzi, Orlando City’s executive vice-president of Soccer Operations, of his new signing. “Nani brings tremendous experience to our roster. He’s a dynamic winger with quality abilities to move and cross the ball, impact games and lead the offensive play.”
Nani started his professional career with Sporting, before making a transfer to Manchester United in 2007. He spent eight years with Premier League giants, before embarking on stints with Fenerbahçe, Valencia, and Lazio. He returned to Sporting in 2018, and has played 18 games and scored seven goals before being released due to club’s attempts to lower their salary bill.
After his move to Orlando was made official, Nani posted a letter to Sporting fans on Instagram, thanking them for their support.
“It’s with mixed emotions that I leave my beloved club.” – Nani wrote. “On one hand, I´m enthusiastic to face a new challenge in my life and on the other hand I’m nostalgic to leave a home that has given me so much. Sporting means everything to me.”
“It’s here where I grew up, where I became a man and where I always felt at home when I had the opportunity to return. To go to the MLS is not only interesting for me, for my family but also for the club. Life provides opportunities that are good for everyone. I’m not saying goodbye because we will briefly see each other again….” – he added.
