Former Manchester United and Portugal winger Nani has made a surprise comeback from retirement at 39 years old.
The 112-cap Portugal international has signed a one-year deal with Kazakhstan Premier League side FC Aktobe.
Nani has not played professionally since late 2024 when he had a brief stint with Portuguese Primeira Liga side Estrela da Amadora.
He had been on something of a world tour over the years since leaving Manchester United in 2015, turning out for Fenerbahce, Valencia, Lazio, Sporting, Orlando City, Venezia, Melbourne Victory and Adana Demirspor.
He now heads to Kazakhstan and sounds thrilled to be involved in the project, taking on a playing role, which ‘also includes an expanded role within the club’s development project.’
On the announcement of his signing, Nani posted on social media: ‘I’m very happy to have joined FC Aktobe and I am looking forward to contributing to the development of the club and football in Kazakhstan.
‘I would like to thank the owner of the club Mr. Nurlan Artykbaev, chairman Mr. Arman Ospanov and Governor Mr. Askhat Shakharov for their hospitality and support.
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‘I was very impressed with the club’s vision for the future and will work hard to take us to new heights, at home and abroad!’
A statement from the club read: ‘Nani is regarded by FC Aktobe’s structure as an international reference figure, capable of contributing to the growth and global projection of both the club and Kazakh football.’
Nani had an impressive stint at Manchester United after signing from Sporting in 2007, going on to make 230 appearances and score 40 goals for the Red Devils.
While he was never the star of the show at Old Trafford, he did win four Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2008.
Also moving to Kazakhstan is former Chelsea star Victor Moses, who has signed with FC Kaysar.
The 35-year-old, who won the Premier League with the Blues, has been without a club since leaving Luton Town at the end of last season.
The 38-cap Nigeria international has also played for the likes of Crystal Palace, Wigan Athletic, Liverpool, Wets Ham, Inter Milan and Fenerbahce.
Moses wrote on X about his latest move: ‘Delighted to announced that I’ve joined FC Kaysar🙏🏾❤️. Excited for what’s to come 💪🏾’
FC Aktobe are currently fifth in the Kazakhstan Premier League, with Kaysar down in 11th.
