Still only 24, the gifted winger has become a key figure in Sir Alex Ferguson’s treble chasers and his status as a top line player was further cemented when adidas snapped him up as their latest brand ambassador.
Goal.com’s Rafael Corradino accompanied Nani at the adidas headquarters in Herzogenaurach and spoke to him about the Red Devils’ Champions League campaign, that defeat against Wolves and if his future is perhaps away from the Premier League…
Goal.com: How do you feel about the match against Marseille? Are United capable of winning the Champions League?
Nani: You have to feel confident when you play for Manchester United. Of course Marseille are a very good team so we will have to do our best to beat them and get the best result.
Sometimes you need luck to reach the final. Marseille are very hard to play against, that is why we need to focus on that match first.
Goal.com: You opened the scoring against Wolves recently in a match in which United eventually surrendered their unbeaten record. How do you explain that defeat?
Nani: It is difficult to explain why we lost this match. We did not play so well and sometimes it happens. We have to lose certain matches to get back and start winning again because we can not win every game. We all know how football in England is. You never know, if it is possible to win or lose and that was our day to lose against Wolverhampton.
Goal.com: Speaking of defeats, did you speak to your international team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo after Real Madrid lost the Clasico to Barcelona last November?
Nani: No, we do not talk about (it), when we lose our games. Of course we talk when we are playing for the national team but there are other topics to discuss.
Goal.com: Your club are currently leading the Premier League title race. Do you anticipate another championship for Manchester United?
Nani: I hope so, the squad has been doing so well for the whole season. We will do our best to keep that position.
Goal.com: Last year’s champions Chelsea have added Fernando Torres to their squad. How will he improve them?
Nani: Torres is a fantastic player. Of course there will be a quality change to Chelsea (in future) but that does not mean they can play better (immediately with him). That is not the case: even before Torres moved they had a very good team, but football is not just about the players. It is about the team.
Goal.com: What do you think about your new signing Chicharito?
Nani: He is a very good player and he even scored a couple of important goals. I am also happy that he signed because he is a very nice person and I like to play with him in the squad.
Goal.com: How do you feel about Federico Macheda, who is now on loan to Sampdoria?
Nani: Macheda is very talented and young: that is why he is on loan. I saw a match of him in Serie A and I think he played fairly well. Maybe he will come back in one or two years and play an important role (for United). I would be very happy if he could stay with us.
Goal.com: Do you think the Premier League is the most competitive in Europe? Would you like to play in La Liga one day?
Nani: Yes, I think it is the most competitive league in Europe. Playing in La Liga? I do not know, maybe in the future but for the moment I am enjoying my life in Manchester.
Goal.com: Did you always dream of playing for Manchester United?
Nani: When I was younger I always dreamed of playing for a big club. Of course when Manchester United gave me the opportunity to sign, I was so excited and happy to be contracted by such a big team.
Goal.com: As we are in Germany, what do you think about Borussia Dortmund, who are dominating the Bundesliga these days? Are you eager to encounter them in the Champions League next season?
Nani: You never know. It is always a pleasure to encounter teams that play fast and attractive football.
Goal.com: Now that you’ve signed with adidas does it feel like you’ve made it at last?
Nani: I am really happy. It is like living a dream.
See the rest here:
‘Fantastic’ Fernando Torres Signing Doesn’t Mean Chelsea Will Play Better – Nani