‘He can achieve whatever’ – Man United legend urges EFL-star cousin to remain grounded

Former Manchester United winger Nani has backed his cousin to make as many fond memories for Blackburn as he did against them.

The 39-year-old has kept a keen eye on the progress of Sidnei Tavares, who joined the Championship club last summer from Moreirense.

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Midfielder Tavares began his career in English football at Leicester and made two Premier League appearances in the 2020-21 season.

He then had two spells in his Portuguese homeland with Porto and Moreirense, either side of a loan stint with MLS side Colorado Rapids.

The 24-year-old became Valerien Ismael’s second summer signing upon signing a three-year contract at Ewood Park in June.

Nani on his cousin Sidnei Tavares

Tavares, who represented Portugal at youth level, made a fine start to the Championship season before suffering an injury in October.

He has found regular game time tougher since his return, but Nani, who is his cousin on his mother’s side, has predicted a bright future.

“He’s a really good player and having his moment now,” Nani told talkSPORT.com on behalf of online casino experts, casino.co.uk.

“I am wishing all the best for him, to produce the best he can on the field.”

“I think his future could be brilliant if he continues with the right mentality, the right behaviour and keeps two feet on the ground.

“He can achieve whatever he wants to achieve.”

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Coming from a footballing family

Four-time Premier League winner Nani enjoyed one of his best games in a red shirt against Blackburn, in a 7-1 United win back in 2010.

He scored and set up another in that victory, with his tee-up for Dimitar Berbatov ranked top of the club’s favourite assist of his.

Tavares is still waiting to register his first goal contribution for Rovers, but played over half an hour in the 1-1 draw with Ipswich.

The ex-Portugal Under-19 starlet entered the fray with the score goalless, with Eidur Gudjohnsen‘s son Andri giving Blackburn the lead.

However, Sindre Walle Egeli’s last-minute equaliser meant the club remain in 18th, just four points above the relegation zone.

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Four years ago, Tavares’s father, Marco, who brought his family to Leicester in 2002, revealed how Nani helped influence his son.

“Nani is a cousin on his mother’s side,” he told The Athletic. “After she went back to Portugal and heard he was playing football, she put Nani on the phone to Sidnei and he had a good chat with him.

“He gave him lots of advice and said he would keep track of his progress and to stay in touch with him.”