Sir Alex Ferguson has met up with a former Manchester United player in Portugal as he had breakfast with Nani, the winger whom he signed from Sporting Lisbon in 2007
Sir Alex Ferguson dined with former Manchester United star Nani whilst on holiday in Portugal.
The reunion took places less than a fortnight after the 38-year-old announced his retirement from football, shortly after the death of his father. It was Ferguson who signed Nani, then a teenager, way back in 2007 with the winger going on to spend eight years at Old Trafford.
Nani helped Ferguson’s United win four Premier League titles – including their most recent one in 2013 – as well as the Champions League in 2008. The Portuguese star came off the bench and scored in the penalty shootout victory over Chelsea in Moscow.
He and Ferguson enjoyed breakfast at a picturesque location as Nani shared the photos on social media. He said: “Delicious breakfast – this time in Portugal – with the great and special company of Sir Alex Ferguson. Amazing time, great memories. See you again soon, Boss.”
United re-posted Nani’s social media post and wrote: “Things you love to see.”
Ferguson and Nani once lived next door to each other in Wilmslow, a sought after location in Cheshire. The former Portugal international even used to drive Ferguson to and from the team meeting points for games.
The Scot had to be patient with the winger, who didn’t hit his straps straight away in Manchester, before becoming a success. Ferguson once said: “I have always said Nani is a talented boy. He has great feet, great pace and great endurance. He is a terrific trainer and a tough little lad.”
Nani only announced his retirement from football on December 8. He was playing in his homeland in the top flight for Estrella Amadora, who are trying to fend off the threat of relegation, when he came out with the shock news
Nani confirmed that a major motivation behind his decision to retire was down to the recent passing of his father. The tragedy forced him to contemplate his future and he vowed to spend more with his family.
He said: “I want to make the most of my time with my children, my wife, my mother, my siblings, cousins, uncles and aunts. They also need me, and I need to be with them which is very important.”
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