Nani: ‘I never wanted to leave United’

(GSM) – Nani’s recent performances have boosted his self confidence. The Manchester United winger has forgotten about the disappointing first half of the season.

His teammate Gary Neville is full of praise for him and thinks Nani can follow in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Nani has been a frustrating figure for those at Old Trafford in the two-and-a-half years since his £17million move from Sporting Lisbon.

But the Portugal international is starting to show signs that he has finally settled at United after impressive displays against Hull City, Manchester City and Arsenal.

The 23-year-old acknowledged he had suffered some low moments, but is adamant he never wanted to quit United.

“I never wanted to go,” he told the Manchester Evening News.

“When you are feeling low and things aren’t going well, you do feel alone and there have been times like that. But I never thought about quitting and going back to Portugal.

“I was in a bad position sometimes and it wasn’t easy to get back up again. Of course, your confidence does suffer on occasions and you get down.

“But I have shown I don’t get depressed too easily. I am a strong personality. If you are not a strong character then it will drag you down.

“I am not like that. I am sure I have the quality to be one of the best in the world. I can achieve that.”

Man United captain Gary Neville thinks Nani can become the new Ronaldo. The veteran full back thinks the Portuguese simply required time to build confidence, as was the case with his illustrous predecessor at Old Trafford.

“Nani’s performances against Hull City, Manchester City and Arsenal have been absolutely fantastic.

“He has incredible ability, and when he performs like he did against Arsenal he is unstoppable. Players like Nani, who have such high skill levels, rely on confidence.

“We hope the level of performance, determination and skill he has shown in the last few games can be maintained until the end of the season because he’s a matchwinner for us. I think Nani can be anything he wants to be.

“People expect so much from young players, but it sometimes takes time. It took time for Cristiano Ronaldo to settle in at United as well.”