One of the first clubs they approached was the one they had just vanquished in Rome: Barcelona wanted to know if Manchester United were willing to sell Nani. United responded with an emphatic no.
It is an indication of how much the 22-year-old winger is valued by the English champions that they would not countenance an approach. Sir Alex Ferguson was already resigned to the sale of one Portuguese winger to Spain and was not about to let another leave.
There are ambitious plans this season for Nani, a player who has not yet fully harnessed his remarkable talents. That the two leading clubs in Europe rate him so highly has infused Nani with the kind of confidence that can only enhance his game.
"It makes me really happy to know that this club wants to keep me, it really gives me confidence," he said. "It's fantastic to know that, at a club like this, they are thinking about my future. I heard something about Barcelona.
"It is good for a player to hear that the best clubs in the world want you to play for them. But my mind was only thinking about Manchester. I have never thought about going. I have been here only two years and want to do something for this club, to be part of its history."
The moment has come for Nani. As a slick winger with flamboyant footwork from Sporting Lisbon, it was inevitable that he would be compared with Cristiano Ronaldo, to dwell in his shadow. Now, bathed in the cold light of his compatriot's absence, Nani is ready to shine, starting with the Community Shield against Chelsea on Sunday.
It is an indication of how much the 22-year-old winger is valued by the English champions that they would not countenance an approach. Sir Alex Ferguson was already resigned to the sale of one Portuguese winger to Spain and was not about to let another leave.
There are ambitious plans this season for Nani, a player who has not yet fully harnessed his remarkable talents. That the two leading clubs in Europe rate him so highly has infused Nani with the kind of confidence that can only enhance his game.
"It makes me really happy to know that this club wants to keep me, it really gives me confidence," he said. "It's fantastic to know that, at a club like this, they are thinking about my future. I heard something about Barcelona.
"It is good for a player to hear that the best clubs in the world want you to play for them. But my mind was only thinking about Manchester. I have never thought about going. I have been here only two years and want to do something for this club, to be part of its history."
The moment has come for Nani. As a slick winger with flamboyant footwork from Sporting Lisbon, it was inevitable that he would be compared with Cristiano Ronaldo, to dwell in his shadow. Now, bathed in the cold light of his compatriot's absence, Nani is ready to shine, starting with the Community Shield against Chelsea on Sunday.
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