Portuguese star Nani to miss rest of A-League season after rupturing ACL

The A-League has suffered a blow with its biggest name to miss the rest of the season after suffering a devastating knee injury.

Nani clutches his knee after going down in the Victory’s 1-0 loss to Brisbane Roar. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

Melbourne Victory’s horror A-League season has suffered another huge blow, with marquee man Nani having ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament.

The former Manchester United star, the A-League’s highest profile player since joining the Victory in July, suffered the season-ending knee injury in the closing stages of his side’s 1-0 loss to Brisbane Roar on Friday night at AAMI Park.

Nani ‑ whose full name is Luís Carlos Almeida da Cunha ­– was able to complete the match, but the Victory announced on Sunday that scans had revealed the 36-year-old Portuguese star had ruptured his ACL.

Nani receives medical attention after injuring his knee. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

It continues a horror stretch for the Victory, who have tumbled down the A-League ladder on the back of three straight losses and who have been sanctioned by Football Australia after supporters of the club invaded the pitch during last month’s Melbourne derby.

“Our fears were confirmed after the scan results, and we’re all disappointed for Luis,” Victory coach Tony Popovic said.

“Luis has been a big influence around the club through his leadership and experience, and he will be an incredible loss for our squad.

“The entire club will rally around Luis and will support him through his recovery.”

The Victory, who have just 10 points from 10 matches to be second last on the ladder, meet Adelaide United at Coopers Stadium on Saturday night.

Originally published as Portuguese star Nani to miss rest of A-League season after rupturing ACL