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| Friday, 25 March 2011 02:36 |
Man United’s Nani: “I’m not obsessed with being the best”Winger focused on collective glory Manchester United’s Portuguese international Nani says losing out on the Premier League title to Chelsea last year motivates him to achieve success with his club this season.
The former Sporting man has been a key figure for United this campaign, contributing nine goals and leading the assists charts with 16 as the Red Devils lead top the table with a five-point advantage over Arsenal. Looking ahead to the run-in, Nani is determined that United end the season in triumph after ending the term empty-handed last year. “There is a lot of work ahead, but that is nothing new for us,” he told Don Balon. “We know nothing is won and the path will be difficult. But we’re on track, with a good chance of winning trophies. We want to maintain the same consistency, application and concentration. I want to win everything. We are well placed in the Premier League and the most important thing is for me to continue to help the team with goals and assists. “For me, the most important thing is to keep helping the team, with goals and assists. Last summer, during the first week of my holidays, I could not stop thinking about how we lost the championship to Chelsea. Thankfully, I had the distraction of the World Cup preparations. This year that is not there - the summer is long - and I want to leave with a smile on my face having won at least one trophy. “We’ll give our all in the Champions League and the English league. I feel good and so far, I have been able to help the team. It has been said that I am one of the most important players, but I still think I can improve in some aspects. “What changed for me? Basically, I have had more opportunities. By having more playing time and starting more matches, my chances of having an influence increased. My confidence grew and I have managed to hold down my place in the team.” Already seen as a possible contender for the end of season awards in England, Nani was asked by the Spanish newspaper about his personal ambitions, and specifically his hopes about being named on the next shortlist for the Ballon d’Or crown. “I don’t know about that. I recognise that things have gone well but that’s for other people to decide. If my name ends up on the list, I will be happy. I want to be the best player in the world, but I am not living obsessed by it. My only real concern is to help my club and my national team and keep playing well.” |
Perhaps Ronaldo should ask Messi to give him some lessons in the fine art of gamesmanship. Messi is such a nice guy that I'm sure he'll teach Ronaldo how to score a goal with his hand and receive praise around the world. Or, he can teach Ronaldo how to roll on the pitch like a barrel going down a flight of stairs after being tripped and afterwards act like your dead only peaking to see if the referee gave a yellow or a red, like Messi did a few years ago at Stamford bridge. Now to teach a near 6' 2" player how to dive without getting noticed is much harder than to do teach a player who is barely 5' 6." Those are some of the advantages of being small and Messi knows them well. By the way Messi only needs one more yellow in La Liga to be banned for a game, but very few people know this because that's how good he is.
I'm not sure if Nani will ever win the Balon d'Or but I do believe he will be among the top ten players in the world.
Make no mistake, he made a huge step towards achieving his goal this year, and I hope for his sake and Portugals that he can continue playing better next season. I am really hoping to see some great things from Nani during the upcoming friendlies since Ronaldo won't be playing. There is nothing quite like watching all of our players come in from all over the world to do battle on the pitch against another national team. I can't wait for Saturday (and Tuesday).