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So the signing you’ve all been waiting for has finally been confirmed by the Lions today. Yes, Nani is officially an Orlando City SC player!
A transfer that nobody saw coming two weeks ago, the vastly experienced 32-year-old Portuguese international has joined James O’Connor‘s side on a free transfer from Sporting Lisbon.
It's official. @luisnani is a Lion. 🦁 #WelcomeNani
📰 https://t.co/ibdpUlnHjR pic.twitter.com/CNct2Sz3uR
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) February 18, 2019
Signing a three-year-contract with the Lions, Nani‘s timely arrival is a massive shot in the arm to Orlando City SC‘s morale heading into the 2019 following the Lions’ worst ever Major League Soccer campaign to date.
>> CLICK HERE TO VIEW NANI’S PLAYER PROFILE <<
Having claimed 16 major honours for club and country during his career, most notably four Premier League titles and a UEFA Champions League triumph with Manchester United plus the 2006 UEFA European Championships with Portugal, Nani is a ready-made superstar for MLS.
A veteran of 112 senior international caps for The Navigators, Nani has experienced three UEFA European Championships (2008, 2012, 2016), one FIFA World Cup (2014) and one FIFA Confederations Cup (2017).
Undoubtedly the second most high-profile signing in Orlando City SC club history after Kaká, the marquee capture of Nani doesn’t only give James O’Connor‘s side increased leadership qualities on the field, it also reminds the world just who we are.
Be still our beating hearts. 😈#VamosOrlando | #WelcomeNani pic.twitter.com/MWSRwMTbBk
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) February 18, 2019
While only time will tell whether Nani‘s experience and quality translates into being a true difference maker in MLS like Sebastian Giovinco, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Wayne Rooney before him, there is no doubt this signing has galvanised Orlando City SC‘s suffering fanbase.
It has also been confirmed that Nani will wear his favoured squad number 17 for Orlando City SC with Chris Mueller switching to number 9, last worn by Cyle Larin in 2017.
With Orlando City UK thrilled to see somebody of Nani‘s calibre arrive in Central Florida, we gathered some of the best tweets following confirmation of his signing.
The euphoria…
— Alex Leitao (@alexleitao) February 18, 2019
— Eric Terwilliger (@erictwigs) February 18, 2019
— Emma Trill (@RookeryEmma) February 18, 2019
Always liked him as a player, game changer
— David Manock (@dmanock) February 15, 2019
— Adam Hennessey (@9_Hendo) February 18, 2019
Really is a free transfer??? That is awesome!
— Jeremy Walker (@JeremyW29876950) February 15, 2019
A lion 🦁 it’s something that he always was. 👌🏻😉
— Pedro Cunha Batista (@Pedrocb1906) February 18, 2019
Let’s go. Waited all weekend for this #VamosOrlando 🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁
— RAPHAEL 🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹 (@orjean5562) February 18, 2019
More of this please. Ima need this Nani content pumped out ASAP
— Carlos (@CarlosOCSC) February 18, 2019
Nani and Dwyer doing backflips>>>>>
— Jamal🇵🇹 (@jamalmoraes) February 18, 2019
Even as a Man City fan who is predisposed to dislike him, I can appreciate how big a signing this is. Welcome, Nani!
— Jon Peck (@abellwillring) February 18, 2019
Where will he play?
Having watched Nani operate this season it became clear that he doesn’t have the legs for a traditional winger anymore. I think he would be best utilized as a CF right behind Dwyer. He can be the guy we’ve been NEEDING for creativity and support for our main man up top.
— Justin (@ffsBenfica) February 16, 2019
So question is, does he play LW, or 2nd striker? Hmmm. A good conundrum to have!
— Daniel Cluley (@DanielCluley) February 15, 2019
New hero in town!
— Jason ”JJ” Jose (@Jason_Jose) February 18, 2019