There’s a new superstar in town – Nani.
Melbourne Victory’s marquee man brings a wealth of experience and array of silverware to AAMI Park, where the former Manchester United and Portugal forward will spend the next two seasons.
Nani has won 17 titles over the course of his stellar international and club career, including a European Championship, UEFA Champions League and four Premier League crowns.
But what will the 112-time Portugal international bring to Tony Popovic’s Victory in the Isuzu UTE A-League?
“Great quality and leadership,” former Orlando City head coach James O’Connor told KEEPUP.
“He has outstanding ability with a big-game mentality.
“He was always keen to pass on wisdom to the team and was able to garner the respect of the players by his actions in training and games.”
O’Connor was Nani’s head coach for his first season in MLS in 2019.
Nani had arrived in Orlando after a third spell with boyhood club and Portuguese giants Sporting CP.
In his first season at Exploria Stadium, Nani scored a team-high 12 goals and supplied five assists in 30 MLS appearances.
Nani, who captained the team, also scored once as Orlando reached the US Open Cup semi-finals.
“It was very enjoyable working with him,” said O’Connor, whose playing career took him to Orlando after playing for Stoke City, West Brom, Burnley and Sheffield Wednesday.
“Nani brings a wealth of experience and is a big-game player. He knows his body like no one else I’ve ever met.
“He knows what he needs from a training perspective and understands his own periodization needs.”
O’Connor and Orlando parted ways at the end of the 2019 season.
But in the COVID-hit 2020 campaign, Nani and Orlando finished runners-up in the MLS is Back Tournament, having progressed to the MLS Cup Conference semi-finals.
During his three seasons with Orlando, the 35-year-old netted 28 goals and created another 14 others in the league.
“He had a great impact, inspiring his team-mates and also the supporters,” O’Connor said. “He had a great relationship with the supporters and was a great guy.
“Excellent personality, everyone really enjoyed his company. He is a winner and expects everyone to share this mentality.”
There are similarities between Nani’s move to Orlando and Melbourne.
Nani wants to help grow the club and the league, just like he did in the United States.
During Tuesday’s unveiling, Nani said: “One of the reasons of me being here is to try bring more quality and experience to the league and try to help the young talent to improve their quality and mentality as well.”
Those comments bode well based on O’Connor and his experience with Nani.
“His ability to help his team-mates,” the Irishman said of his standout quality.
“He is very keen to work with and help the younger players.”
Nani brings increased interest and media attention, not only on Victory but the A-League Men.
Orlando’s former vice-president of communications Diogo Kotscho worked extremely closely with Nani in Florida.
And he gave a unique insight into the man behind the scenes.
“Nani is very easy to work with, very professional,” said Kotscho, who also navigated the media frenzy when former Milan, Real Madrid and Brazil superstar Kaka called Orlando home.
“He knows his size and importance to the club and he understands as the captain, he had to be able to speak to the press almost all the time.
“American media is very, very open and different than Europe and South America. He had to speak every single week and he was always able to do that.
“He was my go-to guy when we had a big loss or a big win. He always delivered the message in a very nice way.
“Off the field he is a very family guy. A little bit shy.”
Nani is not only committed to his media obligations, the Portuguese forward is also active in the community, as Kotscho explains.
“During the COVID pandemic, he was one of the guys who always asked how he could help the people,” Kotscho said.
“Orlando was hit very hard with the pandemic, not only about the health issues but economically. As everyone knows, we live from the tourism and it was over for more than one year.
“Many people lost jobs and our community was hit hard but Nani always stepped up and tried to help in the way he could.”
He added: “I think he will grow the club, not only on the field but outside. Nani likes to be involved with organisations and with all the things that happen around the club.
“I do think as an experienced guy, he will bring a lot of nice things to the club, community and league.”
