Nani believes he has been revitalised by his loan spell at Sporting but suggests he will be part of Manchester United’s first-team plans next season.
Reports surfaced in November that Louis van Gaal was exploring the possibility of recalling Nani, who moved to Portugal as part of United’s deal to sign Marcos Rojo in the summer.
United have been unable cut short Nani’s time at Sporting but the winger, who has scored seven goals in 17 appearances this season, insists his time in Portugal has been positive.
“I just need someone to believe in me, trust me and my qualities, and give me an opportunity to show them on the pitch,” Nani told BT Sport.
“It’s an experience I wanted a lot and needed as well because the last two seasons at Manchester United I had so many injuries and I was very upset with a lot of things that happened to me.
“I was missing my family and friends and I wanted something new. The only opportunity I had to be happy, and Manchester United to be happy as well, was this one.”
Asked if he held a grudge against Van Gaal for allowing him to leave, Nani replied: “No. Because the club know my value and I know they want me to stay.
“It was me who made the choice to leave the club and it was a good decision by me because I knew if I stayed one more season at Old Trafford, it would be very hard for me.”