ULTRA MAG | ISSUE 16 - NANI
Luís Nani is the real deal. We all know how good a player he's been over many years. He's won a stack of league titles, the Champions League and the Euros back in 2016. This is a man who knows how to perform on the biggest stage. Our catch up with him further solidified our confidence in what he will bring to Melbourne Victory and the league this season and beyond.
When chatting to Nani the first thing you notice is an incredible sense of calm. There's no signs of pressure or nerves about the season ahead. He seems to have everything under control because he's seen and done it all before.
He doesn't feel a heavy weight of expectation in regards to being such an important marquee for the league. He's focussed on what happens on the field and being the same player we've grown used to seeing light up the pitch. He's a player who will give it everything to produce what he knows he can produce and make people happy. That is a key word. Happiness is very important to him and his family.
He also works hard. Boy, does he work hard. Being up close on shoot day gave us a real sense of how conditioned he is. There isn't a gram of excess weight on him - this is a player who is built like a warrior. 35 going on 25.
"I'm lucky - I need to thank god every time because i've been lucky." The old adage is you make your own luck. Nani typifies this as it's clear he has worked harder than anyone we've ever spoken to in order to reach the top. His fitness levels are striking.
His inspiration when he was younger growing up in Lisbon was Luis Figo. He then grew to like other players such as Ronaldinho and Deco while watching them star for Barcelona. You can see elements from all of them in some of the skills and goals Nani has scored in his career. He worked hard to develop himself into a player who can do things with a ball that others can't. Dribbling with pace and quick feet while letting fly with serious power and finesse.
He likes to laugh and be around players with good energy. "Some of the players in the past which helped me settle in were Patrice Evra, Wes Brown, Rio Ferdinand. Very funny guys to be around. Cristiano Ronaldo and Ricardo Quaresma were the key players in the national team. We shared a great bond."
When we asked him about the A-League and if he knew much about Australia before the move, he spoke positively about the likes of Tim Cahill. He's come up against many Socceroos in the past and spoke highly of those experiences.
The worry with marquee signings is that they won't live up to their tag. They don't work hard, they underestimate the league, they take the money and go. We'll be stunned if we look back in a few years and that's the case with Nani. It won't be. This is a guy with too much drive and hunger to compete, and he's eager to get to work in front of the Victory faithful.
"I heard a lot about the fans. I'm so excited for the first game at home in our stadium, playing and listening to the fans. Connecting with them in our environment is something i'm looking forward to."
Victory fans will be happy to note that he seems to have settled in extremely well with the team. "The boys are great. It's a fun and happy group but we work very hard. Pre-season has been tough. Playing against United was a great feeling and now i'm looking forward to the season start."
So far, life off the park has been good in Melbourne. The weather is starting to improve which he's happy about and away from football he's keen to check out some of the sporting events which make Melbourne the sporting capital.
We can't wait to see him in action this season in the Melbourne Victory kit. He's really keen on the new kits too, with the away kit reminding him of one of his favourite Sporting Lisbon kits he wore in the past. When we asked him if there's any personal goals or targets this season he was as calm as ever.
"No personal goals, I just want to smile and enjoy the moment."'
You know from being around him though that there's a lot more to it than that. His eagerness to compete and win is alive and he'll be making sure he does everything he can to help the team achieve their goals.
Now let's get to 17 quick fire questions with the man himself.
Best goal you’ve scored?
The most important I think was in the semi-final of Euro 2016 against Wales. It wasn't so beautiful but it was very important. One of the beautiful goals I scored was against Chelsea at Old Trafford. I think everyone can remember that one. I came in from the right and smashed it in the top bins.
Favourite pair of boots?
Adidas. I've been using them for years. Predator LZ had been one of my favourites but I also like F50's - adidas has been very good.
Favourite thing about living in Melbourne?
I like to chill out in the cafes. Especially when it's raining. When it's cold having a nice coffee and relaxing has been great.
Favourite childhood food growing up in Amadora?
Something we ate a lot which I liked when I was young was spaghetti with fried egg and chicken. Made the way we make at home. Sometimes with tuna. These were easy foods we could get at that time. Much cheaper.
What about now?
My favourite Portuguese food now is Feijoada which is a typical food over there. We eat it a lot. It's like a bean stew with different kinds of meat and you can eat with rice as well. It's very nice.
Favourite beach in the world?
I've been to a lot I like which makes it hard to choose. One of the best was in Thailand in the Phi Phi islands. The place where movies have been filmed - it's beautiful.
Proudest footballing moment?
Winning the Euros with Portugal and winning the Champions League with Manchester United.
Favourite music artist?
I like Kizomba at the moment but I am very open for any different types of music. It depends on the moment. I like old school music.
Favourite kit of all time?
Sporting used to have some really nice kits. The iconic green and white. There was a really good fluorescent one as well. Like the Victory away colour. We used to have one like this which was really nice.
Are you someone who keeps a lot of your own and other players jerseys which you've picked up over your career?
I have a lot! I have Figo, Ronaldinho, Zlatan, Cristiano Ronaldo - I have a lot.
Toughest opponent?
I remember in my first years in England Ashley Cole was a left-back who used to be tough. We used to have a lot of good battles.
Favourite clothing brand?
Armani and Versace... I like nice brands but I don't have a favourite. I go for what is in and what fits me well in the moment.
Favourite workout?
I like to work out my core and abs in the gym. You have to maintain.
What’s the secret behind your longevity?
Secret? Drink a lot of water!
Advice for a young footballer looking to follow in your footsteps?
Believe in your dreams, believe everything is possible and never give up. Sometimes things can be very tough and it can look like you're not going to get there. But this is actually the time when you can make a difference and things can change for you. I had this experience in my life when everything was looking like I had no more chances to reach a good club or reach professional football. But then in one day everything changed. This is what I can say to the kids. Always trust yourself. What happens today doesn't mean it's going to happen tomorrow. Keep your focus, keep your belief and keep working hard and one day you will have your lucky day.
Your favourite ever haircut?
In the major tournaments I used to do a lot of different designs. Stars and other things. I've been doing colours. I let my hair grow in the pandemic so from there I started doing some braids. I wanted to do something new with my style but now i've decided to cut it short and added a bit of colour.
Favourite Sir Alex Ferguson Story?
I have a lot of stories. It's always good to remember them. He always used to shout a lot at me. He put a lot of attention and trust in me with an eye on the future. He knew I could be important so every time I didn't play well or do what he was expecting he used to shout at me a lot. Very hard! It made me stronger.
Best football atmosphere?
In Turkey when we played against Galatasaray the stadium was full. The Turkish fans are amazing. They make such a big noise in the stadium. The Fenerbahce stadium is nice and compact and all the noise stays inside creating a good energy. The emotions are high in the stadium and they do it in a special way.
Vegemite yes or no?
I haven't tried it and I don't know what it is, but I'm willing to try!
- Tags: Interviews
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