After our 2021 MLS Cup Playoffs heartbreak on Tuesday, yesterday was another sad day for Orlando City SC fans as Nani confirmed he’s leaving the club this off-season.
With Orlando City SC declining to exercise Nani’s option at the end of our 2021 MLS season, the Portuguese departs Exploria Stadium without silverware but a legacy of having turned around the Lions’ losing culture.
Official statement pic.twitter.com/YLVM6Jh9PD
— Nani (@luisnani) November 26, 2021
NEWS: Orlando City SC Declines to Exercise Option on Forward Nani.
Details: https://t.co/9MWCx15GQL
Thank you, Captain, for your time and dedication with our club and City. #ForeverALion pic.twitter.com/OTonGX4pYO
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) November 26, 2021
Joining City on a free transfer from Sporting CP back in February 2019, former Manchester United man Nani became a Designated Player.
Across all competitions, Nani made 84 appearances for Orlando City SC, 77 of which came in Major League Soccer.
Making 64 MLS starts and registering 28 goals and 23 assists, Nani leaves Central Florida as City’s second all-time highest goalscorer.
Trumped only by Cyle Larin, Nani is for myself and many, the best ever player to pull on Orlando City SC‘s purple jersey.
2019 season
- 30 games played
- 26 games started
- 2,277 minutes played
- 12 goals
- 10 assists
- 64 total scoring attempts
- 26 shots on target
- 4 yellow cards
- 0 red cards
- 2019 MLS All-Star
2019 – Best goal
vs. New England Revolution (H) – September 14, 2019
59 MINUTES | 3-3
REPLAY 🎥 | Here is the INCREDIBLE equaliser from @luisnani that ties @OrlandoCitySC at 3-3 in this must-win game. 😮👏🏽😮👏🏽
Running out of superlatives for this man. 🇵🇹⚽️
1️⃣2️⃣ goals, 9️⃣ assists for the season. Leader. 🙏🏽#ORLvNE #MLSUK pic.twitter.com/8SPr23Rhu9
— Orlando City UK (@Orlando_CityUK) September 15, 2019
2020 season
- 19 games played
- 16 games started
- 1,424 minutes played
- 6 goals
- 5 assists
- 51 total scoring attempts
- 16 shots on target
- 3 yellow cards
- 1 red card
2020 – Best goal
vs. Minnesota United (#MLSisBack Tournament) – August 6, 2021
45 MINUTES | 2-0
REPLAY 🎥 | Here is the ABSOLUTE GOLAZO that @luisnani struck to make it 2️⃣ on the night while putting Orlando in a hugely commanding position. Just incredible. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
WORLD CLASS! 😮👏🏽#ORLvMIN #MLSisBack #MLSUK pic.twitter.com/atDVXyzbxa
— Orlando City UK (@Orlando_CityUK) August 7, 2020
2021 season
- 28 games played
- 22 games started
- 1,838 minutes played
- 10 goals
- 8 assists
- 65 total scoring attempts
- 25 shots on target
- 3 yellow cards
- 1 red card
- 2021 MLS All-Star
2021 – Best goal
vs. Inter Miami (A) – June 25, 2021
83 MINUTES | 1-2
REPLAY 🎥 | beiebdieowvdjs jsbehdowbwhdbdoendiwksvdidbdidbdbdhdbdjdkdodnd!!!!!!
😤 PICK. THAT. OUT!!!! 😤
IN RIVAL TERRITORY TOO. FILTHY! 🔥#MIAvORL #InterMiamiCF #OrlandoCity #MLSUK pic.twitter.com/1h6SPdWsQA
— Orlando City UK (@Orlando_CityUK) June 26, 2021
Thank you for everything, Nani!
All in all, Nani departs Orlando City SC having successfully turned around the club’s fortunes on the pitch.
The consummate professional, Nani is quite simply a class act both on and off the field.
Not only has Nani exuded supreme self-confidence, but has shown a genuine love for Orlando City SC and the city of Orlando as well.
On behalf of Orlando City UK, we wish you all the best in your future endeavours, El Capitão.
BREAKING 🚨 | @luisnani has confirmed he’s leaving @OrlandoCitySC this off-season. 😢
Thank you for all your contributions in a purple jersey, capitão. For me, you’ve been the best player to wear our club’s crest. A class act on and off the field. All the best. 👏🏽#ForeverALion pic.twitter.com/Sg7vUlAo6f
— Orlando City UK (@Orlando_CityUK) November 26, 2021
The fans’ view
With #OCTwitter still reacting to Nani‘s exit announcement, we gathered the best tweets following the news.
OC is going to have to replace that leadership and mentoring role Nani had.
He was more than a player. https://t.co/8JFK90AZyT
— Antonio Cruz (@EddieTheCommish) November 26, 2021
Not sure I agree with the decision not to take up Nani's option.
But that's based on current information. I'm sure there is a bigger plan.
Interested to see how it pans out.#VamosOrlando
— x – The English Lion 🦁 (@TheEnglishLion1) November 26, 2021
My favorite picture of you Capitao. A picture is worth 1000 words. Your passion, your drive will never be forgotten, apologize in advance, i will be posting about Nani all night 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/r7jLgkGh2y
— Juan Ariza (@lgars1012) November 26, 2021
Thank you captain ! Wish you all the best in your life. You will be Forever a Lion ! https://t.co/SaP7VSkBGu
— Alex Leitao (@alexleitao) November 26, 2021
Unfortunately I believe the decision to not extend was taken sometime ago and was communicated to the player. The dip in form was probably not coincidental. Nani was an excellent servant to the club, I hope this is not a prelude of things to come.
— David Manock (@dmanock) November 27, 2021
Black Friday sale on frames at Michaels! Started to frame all my MLS is Back tournament posters and remembered this one! God he is gonna be missed! #AlwaysourCaptain pic.twitter.com/zFWKwXvy5l
— Michael (@MightyMike1313) November 27, 2021
Lucky to be able to commentate on @luisnani games for the last 3 years. Not only did he produce on the field big time but was a great ambassador for @OrlandoCitySC. https://t.co/QETBZw2XOS
— Paul Shaw (@paul10shaw) November 27, 2021
— Charlotte Patterson (@kirbyhazard) November 26, 2021
Nani ends his run in Orlando with 31 G/26 A in all competitions, two playoff appearances, a tournament final, and a very different culture from when he started here in February 2019. One of the greats in club history. Thank you, Capitao! #ForeverALion https://t.co/u0QMzg4qP0
— Evan Weston (@EvanLWeston) November 26, 2021
I'm sad to see him go but I understand the move, and it will probably be one of those things that down the road will make sense. 😏😢
— Moraima (@Moraima_4) November 27, 2021
Delivered on multiple levels for @MLS & @OrlandoCitySC. True professional both on and off the field and exceeded expectations from many on the outside. #OrlandoCity #MLSCupPlayoffs https://t.co/2lOCVSGkrt
— Taylor Twellman (@TaylorTwellman) November 27, 2021
Our greatest player IMO, but faded so badly in the second halves of seasons when we arguably needed his class the most. Difficult, but probably correct decision, but some very large boots to now fill this off-season
— Dan May (@thatdanmayguy) November 26, 2021
He did not come here to retire. He gave it his all. He’s a different breed. Another legend I was lucky to see plat live almost weekly.
— Jimmy D (@jimmy_slc) November 26, 2021
A warrior, one of the greatest to wear our colors. Big shoes to fill for our next captain.
— The Legendary David Valentin (@Florida_man76) November 26, 2021
I am truly sad I don’t think he wanted to leave. 😢
— MTBH (@mtbh12) November 26, 2021
I’m heartbroken. We were truly fortunate to watch him play here for 3 years. He changed the culture of our club and, many times, carried us on his back to victory. A ferocious competitor. I really thought we would have another year.
— Getty (@Almagetty) November 26, 2021
Sad to see his era come to and end. But it’s probably the right time. Get his statue ready.
— Bill Allen (@whallen3) November 26, 2021
Big fan of Nani and OC. But as it was with Kaka at the end of ‘17, it is time. Doesn’t make goodbye any easier. Thank you Capitan.
— David Cannella (@dudeorlandofl) November 26, 2021
A tough decision made at the right time.
— Gamma Knife (@GammaKnife8) November 26, 2021
Thank you for all you’ve done for our club @luisnani “capitão”. You’ll go down as one of the greats. Good luck for the future 💜 https://t.co/aWF1sjZkho
— Orlando City 🏴 Scotland (@OrlandoCitySCOT) November 27, 2021
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