Manchester United winger Nani has been nominated for Sporting Lisbon’s Footballer of the Year award, after only playing 15 matches since returning back to his old club on a season long loan.
Nani was considered surplus to requirements at Old Trafford and was sent on loan to Sporting in a part exchange deal that saw Marcos Rojo, the Argentine left-back, joining the club in summer.
The Portugal international, who has had cut a frustrating figure at the club, in the past few seasons, has hit the ground running at Sporting, where he netted six goals and provided six assists as well.
Portugal newspapers are full of praise for Nani and they claim being loved by the fans again is the only reason why the Manchester United winger is getting back to his old best.
As a result of his strong performance, Nani is nominated as Sporting’s Footballer of the Year, as reported by Portugal newspaper Record.
Check the complete winner list below:
Jorge Fonseca (Judo), European
Diogo Chen (Table Tennis), European
Pedro Fraga (Remo), European
Silvia Saiote (Gymnastics), European
Diogo Abreu (Gymnastics), European
André Pimenta (Roller Hockey), European
John Campelo (Hockey Roller), European
André Gaspar (Roller Hockey), European
Katarina Larsson (Triathlon), European
João Vaz (Adapted Swimming), World
Ricardo Fernandes (Full Contact Kickboxing and), World
João Costa (Tyre), World
Emanuel Silva (Canoeing ); World
Silvia Saiote (Gymnastics), Athlete of the Year
Pedro Portela (Handball), Athlete of the Year
João Mário (Football), Revelation of the Year
Nani, Footballer of the Year
Daniel Podence, Academy Sporting
Pedro Pimenta (Roller Hockey), Seccionista the Year
Artur Costa (Former Director), Dedication
João Gomes (South Africa), Partner of the Year
Nuno Dias (Futsal), Year of the Technical
Alfredo Pinheiro (Handball), Saudade
Paulo Santos (Official), Special
Eduardo Fernandes (Official), Special
Sporting Wiki (Online Encyclopedia since 2008), Special
Ricardo Dias (Handball), Special Career
Carlos Vieira (Vice-President of the Executive Council) Year Director
Nani will collect the award at a gala to be held in Lisbon on December 18. Manchester United are closely following him since his loan move and there were even rumours that Louis van Gaal wants to bring him back at Old Trafford in January.
The winger himself has time and again stated this season that he is unsure about his future, but United are most likely to recall him for next season, unless they find suitable replacements.
Should Manchester United bring him back next summer? Let us know your opinion on @soccerlens twitter
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