Whenever Ronaldo and I cross paths in Portugal, it's always a good excuse to meet again, have a laugh and relive the moments we shared' Nani details his relationship with his former club and country team-mate

"Nani and Cristiano Ronaldo shared a pitch 131 times as professionals during their respective careers, sharing some of the biggest stages in world football. Whether it was training together in Lisbon, lighting up Old Trafford, winning the Champions League in Moscow or hoisting up the European Championship in Paris, the pair have achieved almost all there is to achieve in the game. While their careers have now taken different paths, the bond between them remains as strong as ever."

"Since he moved to Saudi Arabia, we're in contact less than we were before, Nani tells FourFourTwo when asked about his relationship with his former team-mate. But whenever we cross paths in Portugal, it's always a good excuse to meet again, have a laugh and relive the moments we shared."

"Not at all I could still be playing too, but I retired by choice, Nani told us. Knowing when to finally step away is important and I was able to make that decision consciously. To play and compete, I needed to feel joy, and the passion wasn't the same any more. I was also ready for the next step."

Nani and Cristiano Ronaldo shared the pitch 131 times for club and country, appearing on major stages including Lisbon training sessions, Old Trafford, the Champions League final in Moscow and the European Championship in Paris. Their careers later diverged but their bond stayed strong. Contact decreased after Ronaldo moved to Saudi Arabia, though they meet and reminisce when in Portugal. Nani announced his retirement from professional football in December 2024, citing a loss of passion and readiness for the next step, but later returned from retirement to sign for Kazakhstan Premier League side Aktobe. Nani also launched a football academy in Lisbon.

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