High-flying Nani admits to exceeding even his own expectations

Winger hits back at Arsenal showboating accusations

Manchester United’s Portuguese protégé Nani is going from strength to strength at Old Trafford. In a interview published in today’s edition of Portuguese sports daily O Jogo, the former Sporting man admitted his first season at the English giants has exceeded even his own expectations.

Nani also hit back at recent accusations that he attempted to “humiliate” Arsenal with some unnecessary showboating, and insists that club team-mate and compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo is now undoubtedly the best player in the world.

“I’m extremely happy with what I’m experiencing here. At a personal level I know that I am surpassing expectations. Indeed, I’ve no problem in saying I’m surpassing even my own expectations,” said the twinkle-toed wideman, still only 21.

“But don’t forget I work hard to always do better game after game. I always train 100% because I want to be better every day. This is the philosophy and the motivation that has helped me at this stage of my career.”

As for the recent controversy when Nani was accused of showboating and humiliating Arsenal, the starlet was at pains to set the record straight.

Wrongly interpreted

“I wasn’t showboating. It was something that happened naturally and some people interpreted it incorrectly. In trying to control the ball it took a bad bounce, and that was the only way I found not to lose possession.

“But I did not do that to take the mickey. Some Arsenal people were furious for other reasons and this incident gave them the chance to let off steam. Actually, it is some Arsenal players who have been going about trying to humiliate us, showing disdain for our value.

“Was I told off by Ferguson? That’s a lie. Nobody drew my attention to what happened.”

Ronaldo world’s best

Nani also spoke about compatriot and team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo, who is one goal away from equalling George Best as the winger who has scored the most goals in a single season for Manchester Untied (32).

“He’s fantastic, he’s scored 31 goals already and he isn’t even a striker. He’ll beat the record – it’s just a question of time. However, it’s not something that concerns him.

“I don’t even hear him talk about it, because his main aim is to help Manchester United win. By chance we chatted about this a few days ago, but just in passing.”

And the former Sporting man believes his team-mate is now undoubtedly the best player in the world. “Only those who don’t want to see won’t recognise that Ronaldo is the best player in the world.”

“He’s playing at the highest level, scoring goals in an amazing fashion, and I don’t see anyone else doing anything similar. It’s logical that at the moment he is the best player in the world.”


Related: Nani’s skills spark ‘showboating’ debate