Nani takes flight for club and country

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.