Anything Manchester United can do, West Ham United can do better. Last summer, United unveiled Nani and as the next summer draws closer, the Hammers unveiled their own Nani.
But this is not Nani the footballer but Nani the club’s new technical director. Gianluca Nani has been presented as the club’s technical director and his task is not to play football on the pitch but to monitor that those entrusted with the task of playing football do so.
This is the club’ statement pertaining to Nani’s role at Upton Park:
His responsibilities include being in charge of all aspects of technical development – such as the youth academy, transfers and improving training facilities Nani will start his new role full-time in June but has already begun working with [manager] Alan Curbishley on identifying potential transfer targets for the summer.
An English speaker, who is fluent in Spanish and has a good knowledge of French, Nani’s appointment comes after a six-month search by the board and the manager to find a suitable candidate capable of helping the club move forward on the domestic and European stage.
Nani’s roles at West Ham United will include: enhancing the international scouting network, working with Alan Curbishley and the board on all transfers, developing the youth academy with Tony Carr and improving all aspects of the training ground facilities.
Nani has been the technical director of the Italian side Brescia since 1999 and will start his West Ham adventure in June, 2008. Seems like the Hammers are planning to do something constructive in the long run.