Portuguese winger Nani is surprised at how quickly he has
settled in to life at Old Trafford, but says close friends
Cristiano Ronaldo and Anderson have helped him immensely.
Nani has played in all of United's opening three matches in the
league following his debut as a substitute in the Community Shield
victory over Chelsea at Wembley.
The 20-year-old is seen as a prospect for the future by Sir Alex
Ferguson, but his increased involvement so far partly down to
injuries and suspensions in attacking areas has come as a
surprise to the former Sporting Lisbon star.
"I thought the adaptation would be more complicated, but Ive felt
good and managed to play," he told reporters in homeland after
playing his part in the Under-21s' 3-0 win over Malta. "The
training is similar to what we did at Sporting, the biggest
difference is in the matches themselves, because they require more
fight and effort."
Nani has had plenty of help getting up to speed with the style of
play in the Premier League and the English lifestyle from his
compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo.
"Cristiano has been unsurpassable in the support he's given me," he
added. "He's really helped me and he is a friend who I spend a lot
of time with off the pitch. Anderson and I have also both helped
each other. He has been working really well, and although he hasnt
made his debut yet, I'm sure it won't take long before he
does."
Nani also decided to set the record straight after reports
suggested he had been banned by Sir Alex Ferguson from doing his
trademark somersault celebration for fear of injuring
himself.
"That is not true," he said. "Ferguson has never spoken to me about
this subject and I am going to continue to celebrate goals in this
way. The conversations he has had with me are normal conversations,
like he has with all players."