Nani accepts poor reviews

Nani says he is not surprised by the criticism which followed his display in Portugal’s 1-0 Euro 2012 defeat to Germany on Saturday.

The Manchester United winger had to pass a late fitness test to participate in the game but that did not spare him from some stinging assessments of his performance against Germany.

Nani insists he does not allow the negativity to affect him but did argue the media need to show more understanding when it comes to players failing to star in every single game.

“I do not think about what others say,” the 25-year-old told reporters at a press conference on Monday.

“It is normal and the criticism has been going for some time. It is easier to criticise than to help.

“I just think about the national team, if we can give the people some joy, all the better; but if we cannot, we need to know that we gave our best. We are not machines.”

It has been suggested in some quarters Nani might be better utilised in a central role but he explained he has always feels more comfortable out wide.

“I am a winger and when I am on the pitch I usually help the team,” the former Sporting Lisbon ace said.

“But I have played sometimes in the middle and I feel fine there, too.

“My position is close to the line, I believe that is where I will continue to play, but the coach is the one to decide. But do not start thinking that I will play in the middle.”

Nani expects to start on the wing in Portugal’s must-win clash with Denmark, who blew Group B wide open by upsetting the Netherlands 1-0 on Saturday.

The shock result, coupled with the Portugal’s loss to Germany, means Denmark can afford to sit back and defend in numbers during the next game in Lviv.

“At the beginning of the match, there will not be much room for me,” he said.

“Denmark will be very clever and they will not attack recklessly.

“We will have to create many spaces and we will have to move a lot to find the way to the goal.”