MAN UTD icon Nani has retired from football at the age of 38.

The tricky winger announced his decision in an emotional video he shared on social media.

Nani has announced his retirement from professional football

Former winger Nani was a cult hero at Man Utd – winning four Premier League titles

Nani captioned the three-minute clip: “The time has come to say goodbye, I have decided to finish my career as a professional player.

“It’s been an amazing ride and I wanted to thank every single person who has helped me and supported me through the highs and lows during a career which lasted over 20 years and gave me so many unforgettable memories.

“Time to turn a new leaf and focus on new goals and dreams. See you soon!”

The wideman’s announcement is seemingly a surprise given he was playing his football in his homeland in the top flight for Estrella Amadora.

Although the club are in a relegation battle, Nani had appeared 10 times this season and was considered a first team regular.

Part of Nani’s decision to retire, he revealed in his post, was down to the recent passing of his father.

That has forced him to contemplate his future – vowing to spend more with his family.

He said: “I want to make the most of my time with my children, my wife, my mother, my siblings, cousins, uncles and aunts.

“They also need me, and I need to be with them which is very important.”

On our shores, Nani is most known for his tenure with Manchester United, where he won the 2008 Champions League, four Premier League championships, and two League Cups.

Alongside fellow United alumnus Cristiano Ronaldo, he also contributed to his nation’s 2016 Euro victory.

Nani scored 40 goals in 230 appearances.

He rejoined Sporting Lisbon on loan in Portugal in 2015.

Then came stints at Melbourne Victory, Fenerbahce, Valencia, Lazio, Sporting once more, Orlando City, Venezia, and Adana Demirspor.

When Nani acquired fourth division team SU Sintrense in the summer, it was a sign of his future.

Nani won the Champions League with Man Utd alongside Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008

Nani also lifted the Euros in 2016 with his country Portugal

Nani said: “I am very happy to be part of this project. I hope to add value to the club.

“Sintrense are an opportunity for me to do something interesting.

“It is very important for me that they are close to the area where I grew up. I hope it will be a successful project.”