United's Nani driven to succeed

23 September 2011 07:22
Manchester United winger Nani has re-iterated his desire to become the best player in the world.[LNB] Although it ultimately ended in disappointment, when he was left out of Sir Alex Ferguson's starting line-up for the Champions League final defeat to Barcelona, Nani felt he moved his game onto another level last season.[LNB]The reason seemed obvious. Antonio Valencia's lengthy absence with an ankle injury allowed Nani to switch onto his preferred right wing, from where he produced a series of devastating performances, ending the campaign with more Premier League assists than anyone else.[LNB]"Last year was my best year, definitely my most consistent season," the Portugal wide-man told Inside United.[LNB]"Now I hope this is my year. I will do my best.[LNB]"If I am fit for every game, I am 100 per cent sure I will do my best and will do well for my team.[LNB]"This is a big chance to show I can do much more; that I'm a good player with a very strong mentality."[LNB]Nani has started in blistering form, scoring twice in the Community Shield, including the last-minute winner against Manchester City as United roared back from two goals down.[LNB]He then bagged his first league goal of the campaign in that annihilation of Arsenal, before firing in an excellent first-half effort in last weekend's victory over Chelsea.[LNB]Nani will hope to maintain that form against Stoke on Saturday, aided by the arrival of Ashley Young, whose preference for playing on the left has again released the 24-year-old onto the opposite flank.[LNB]It is only a couple of years ago that Nani appeared to have no future at United.[LNB]Certainly any claim of wanting to be the world's best would have been greeted with laughter.[LNB]Now, although he is still adrift of Lionel Messi and former team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo, it is not quite so far-fetched.[LNB]"That's one dream I've got: to be the best in the world," he said.[LNB]"But I don't let it frustrate me. I have other priorities like winning trophies with the team.[LNB]"Hopefully, when I have finished playing football, people will say 'Nani was a fantastic player who won a lot of titles and beat records at the club'.[LNB]"I know I have the condition to be among the select best players in the world but I have to work hard and show that."

Source: Team_Talk