Ex-Man United winger Nani makes an instant impact on his Venezia debut as he provides the assist for a crucial equaliser less than a minute after coming on in Serie A clash against Empoli

Nani wasted no time in making his mark in Serie A after he provided an assist less than one minute after coming on during his Venezia debut. 

The 35-year-old returned to Europe, joining Serie A strugglers Venezia on a free transfer last week, following a three-season spell with Major League Soccer team Orlando City.

And he had an instant impact for his new club, laying on a crucial assist for the equaliser against Empoli on Sunday. 

Ex-Man United star Nani (pictured) made an instant impact on his Venezia debut on Sunday

The winger laid on a crucial assist less than a minute after being substituted on

The former Manchester United star started the game on the bench but entered the fray in the 72nd minute as Venezia trailed 1-0. 

It took just one minute and 55 seconds for the winger to turn the game around as the set up David Okereke.

The Portuguese played a quick one-two with Mattia Aramu then slid a brilliant ball to Okereke​ in the box who slotted home to level the scores. ​ 

Nani came on in the 72nd minute as Cristian Molinaro (right) made way for the new signing

The goal secured a vital point for Venezia who currently sit just two points out of the relegation zone . 

After his debut, Nani told DAZN via Football Italia: ‘It’s a very good start!

‘The team played well, we know this was an important moment for us, we need to pick up as many points as possible. We could’ve won here today, but it’s a long path ahead and we know that we can do much better.

The Portuguese celebrates the equaliser with goalscorer David Okereke (right)

‘All our players did better in the second half, there was more aggression and it paid off. The equaliser boosted our confidence, but we didn’t get the opportunity to win it.’​

Nani, who enjoyed a loan spell at Lazio in the 2017/18 season, added: ‘I was a little nervous, as I haven’t had many training sessions and am not in the best shape, but when you want to do well, it goes your way.

‘Serie A is the best, I think this a fantastic moment to play here. I need to practice my Italian a bit, it’s been a while!’