Nani out of retirement to play in Kazakhstan at 39

Former Portugal and Manchester United winger Nani has come out of retirement to sign for Kazakhstan club FC Aktobe.

The 39-year-old had retired from playing in December 2004 and has not played since figuring for Estrela da Amadora against Sporting in the Portuguese top flight.

“I’m very happy to have joined FC Aktobe and I am looking forward to contributing to the development of the club and football in Kazakhstan,” said Nani.

FC Aktobe said he had signed a one-season contract, which “also includes an expanded role within the club’s development project”.

The club added: “Nani is regarded by FC Aktobe’s structure as an international reference figure, capable of contributing to the growth and global projection of both the club and Kazakh football.”

Nani joined Manchester United from Sporting for about £21m in June 2007 and went on to play 230 times for the club, scoring 41 goals.

He won the Champions League, four Premier League titles and two League Cups during his eight seasons at the Old Trafford side.

Nani also had spells at Fenerbahce, Valencia, Lazio, Orlando City, Venezia, Melbourne Victory and Adana Demirspor in his career.

At international level, Nani scored 24 goals in 112 caps for Portugal, while helping his country win Euro 2016.