[球員] Nani takes flight for club and country
http://www.uefa.com/competitions/euro/news/kind=1/newsid=546788.html
Nani takes flight for club and country
Sunday 3 June 2007
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As weeks go, Portugal winger Nani has had one to remember. The 20-year-old
was thrust into the limelight on Wednesday when Manchester United FC revealed
they were to take him in a deal thought to be worth €25.5m from Sporting
Clube de Portugal. Then, on Saturday, he scored on his sixth international
appearance for his country in a UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifying victory.
United pride
Nani was always going to dominate the limelight against Belgium in Brussels,
not least because his new club-mate Cristiano Ronaldo was missing through
suspension. Undaunted by the spotlight, Nani turned in a stirling display in
the 2-1 victory and, with the three Group A points in the bag, was then more
than happy to talk about his whirlwind move to the English Premier League
champions. "It's a big club and I'm very proud to play for them," he said.
'Happy week'
In truth, no words were needed to sum up Nani's mood as he marked his goal
with a trademark back flip and somersault - a celebration that could be a
routine occurence in years to come at Old Trafford. Comparisons with Ronaldo
are inevitable but Nani just wants to be known as his own man in Manchester.
"I just want to be Nani and prove my quality to the coach," he explained.
"But I'm very happy. It was a happy week for me."
Powerful drive
It was at the Roi Baudouin Stadium on 28 June 2000 that Portugal lost their
UEFA EURO 2000™ semi-final against France on penalties but there was to be
no repeat of that misery when Nani, who was then a 12-year-old dreamer
playing for Real Sport Clube de Massamá on the outskirts of Lisbon, cut
inside from the left before hitting a powerful low drive that crept in off
the inside of the right post. Although Belgium equalised, Hélder Postiga was
able to score the winner.
'Special win'
"It was a fine goal and a special win. I'm very happy with my work and I hope
to continue like this," said Nani, whose first international goal came on his
debut in a 4-2 friendly defeat in Denmark last September. Ever since, he has
been a regular on the team sheet for coach Luiz Felipe Scolari in marked
contrast to last year, when Nani was happy just to be in the Under-21 side
hoping to follow in the foosteps of Portuguese prodigies like Ronaldo and
Ricardo Quaresma.
Quaresma certain
The latter is well placed to explain what advice he would give to Nani as he
emerges on to the global stage. "Continue to work hard and be cool as the
opportunities will come," Quaresma said. "I have no doubt that he will be a
success." Even before Nani gets to United there will be the chance for just
that, with a friendly trip to Kuwait on Tuesday before taking part in the
2007 UEFA European Under-21 Championship which begins next Sunday. Week to
remember? Make that a summer.
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