Luis Nani provided some magic moments as a Manchester United player and at least a couple of his seasons show very impressive statistics. In 2010/11 Nani scored 9 goals and added an incredible fourteen assists in 33 Premier League matches. The season after it was 8 goals and ten assists in the league, but it fell off from there.
There was often a feeling that Nani, good as he’d proven himself to be, didn’t really take the final step he was capable of. That can be partly down to circumstance.
When Manchester United sold Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid, it looked like Nani’s chance to shine on his more natural right wing, but Antonio Valencia was brought in, who, though reliable and with a good cross, simply wasn’t the same level of winger. Perhaps that’s evident in that Valencia has evolved into a right back.
Nani is now with Valencia and has been struggling with injuries this season, but has still managed 4 goals and six assists in 18 La Liga starts. Valencia are playing Real Madrid today, and ahead of the match Nani spoke to AS.
The Spanish newspaper wanted to know if it’s true Real Madrid tried to sign him in 2012, and Nani explained: “When I was at United? Sincerely, I don’t know. I don’t know anything about Real Madrid. Yes from Barcelona. Barcelona did call me. But United did not 
want to sell.”
Nani was also asked if he wants to be at Valencia next season, and the former Manchester United player was brutally honest: “Yes, of course, I like the club, the city… But if you tell me that nothing is going to change, I would not want to be here. I want to change everything in Valencia. Also the fans.
“I do not blame the fans of the bad year, that’s it. But their support gives strength to team, they give you 50% of a victory on the pitch, but if they criticise you every time you touch the ball, you will not be able to improve.”
