eMLS

Orlando City star Nani never played more FIFA than when he was on the cover

Luis Nani - Orlando City - 2020 preseason

On Sunday in episode four of the eMLS Tournament Special, Orlando City SC's rivalry with Atlanta United goes virtual. 


OCSC star Nani will face off against Franco Escobar, while Toronto FC play the Vancouver Whitecaps, to see which of the four teams will earn a spot in the final four of this FIFA 20 tournament to support hunger relief. Catch this week's matches at 7 pm ET on FS1, FOX Deportes or TSN.


“I try, I try," Nani told MLSsoccer.com humbly of his FIFA skills. "It’s been a long time since I played, I need to improve a little bit."


Nani hasn't played a ton of the game since he donned the cover of the Portuguese edition of FIFA 12, alongside future Orlando City midfielder Kaka. At the time, Nani was at Manchester United and Kaka at Real Madrid. 



"That made me excited, I wanted to play a lot," Nani said. "At that time, at that age, it was exciting. It’s nice to see your picture on the game. For the kids, for your fans, it makes you very proud.”


Nani joked his son, Lucas, may be more proud of the FIFA cover than when the Portuguese star won the European Championships with his country in 2016. 


Against Escobar and Atlanta, Orlando will be in for a difficult encounter.


“I expect a tough game," Nani admitted. "Playing against Atlanta is always difficult. But we are Orlando City, I must represent in the best way. I’m going to give my best, but I’m sure my opponent is tough. He’ll give me a tough time.”