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Homecoming for the Manchester United Legend
Former Manchester United star Nani has made a heartfelt return to his beginnings by signing with Estrela da Amadora, the club from his birthplace. At 37, the celebrated Portuguese winger has taken a sentimental step in his extensive career by joining the team that represents his hometown, Amadora, located just northwest of Lisbon.
A Storied Career Comes Full Circle
After leaving Turkish club Adana Demirspor in May as a free agent, Nani has committed to a one-year contract with Estrela. The club, which secured 14th place in the Primeira Liga last season, marks the tenth club in Nani’s illustrious football journey. This move is not just a professional one but also a personal homecoming for Nani, who began his footballing odyssey in the very streets of Amadora.
Triumphs and Trophies
Nani’s time at Manchester United was marked by an array of triumphs, including four Premier League titles, a Champions League victory, two League Cups, and a Club World Cup, all accumulated over an eight-year tenure at Old Trafford. His return to Estrela da Amadora is celebrated by the club as a return of a hometown hero who has achieved global recognition and has made significant contributions to the community both on and off the pitch.
Dual Roles: Player and Owner
Alongside his playing duties, Nani will also be taking on the role of owner at SU Sintrense, a fourth-division team located near his hometown. Nani and a consortium of investors recently acquired a majority stake in the 112-year-old club, expanding his influence and commitment within Portuguese football.
A Global Football Journey
Before this latest chapter, Nani’s career has seen him traverse the footballing world, with stints at Fenerbahce, two periods at his first professional club Sporting Lisbon, and playing time in leagues across Spain, Italy, the United States, and Australia. His return to Estrela da Amadora not only brings him back to where it all began but adds a storied chapter to his globe-trotting narrative.