“It will be remembered forever” – Nottingham Forest defender opens up on European run

Nottingham Forest had one of their biggest European nights in decades on Thursday, and Morato has offered a glimpse into what this moment means inside the dressing room.

The Brazilian defender is part of a Forest side chasing Europa League glory, with a semi-final second leg against Aston Villa now looming. Speaking to Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte, he made it clear just how significant this run could be for the club.

Nottingham Forest have not reached this stage of a European competition for over 40 years. Their last major trophy dates back to 1989/90. That context shapes everything around the current campaign.

Morato did not hold back when describing the scale of the opportunity.

“It already feels like a magical moment. But if we manage to win it, it will be remembered forever,” he said.

He added that most supporters have never seen the club compete at this level.

“If you think about it, 70% or 80% of the fans never saw that era. Maybe even 90%. For sure, the fans, being a small city, are always with us, always at the games, always welcoming us. So to be back and still have the chance to reach the final fills us with hope.”

Adaptation and development in England

Morato’s journey to this point has not been straightforward. He left São Paulo early, shortly after winning the Brazilian Youth Cup in 2019, and moved to Europe without first establishing himself in Brazil.

That decision shaped his development. A spell in Portugal helped him adjust before making the step up to England. Morato explained that transition in detail.

“The game here is completely different. Matches every three days, very high intensity. If you’re not ready, it doesn’t matter who you face – you can lose.”

His adaptation off the pitch has also been gradual.

“Before, I didn’t understand English. Now I can understand and speak much more. I’m almost fully adapted.”

Dressing room dynamic and ambitions

Morato also spoke about the influence of Portuguese coaches like Vítor Pereira and Nuno Espírito Santo, describing them as tactically detailed and strong communicators.

“They are both very technical, they really like tactics and well-played football. I think the Portuguese coaches I’ve worked with so far are like that.”

“Vítor Pereira is like a father figure, he really likes to talk. Nuno too, and was very strategic.”

Meanwhile, the Brazilian presence at Forest has played a key role in helping him settle.

“It’s very difficult for Brazilians to arrive in a completely different country. The weather, the food, the language – everything changes.”

“I think that, with three or four players, in addition to the Portuguese staff and some Portuguese people who were already working at the club before Vítor arrived, it adds a lot. We feel more comfortable.”

Having teammates from Brazil and Portugal has made a difference.

“It helps a lot. You feel more comfortable. At the same time, it can slow down learning English, but overall it’s positive.”

He even shared a lighter moment about teammate Igor Jesus.

“Sometimes he changes the subject out of nowhere. Or says something obvious like: ‘Don’t go in the rain or you’ll get wet.’ And insists on it.”

“Then everyone looks and says: ‘Okay…’ And he insists: ‘But you really get wet, don’t go there.’ Then he changes the subject. But it’s really good. It seems like he’s always high!”.

Dream of Brazil call-up and growing visibility

Morato made it clear that his ambitions go beyond club success, with the Brazil national team firmly in his sights.

“If I look at everything I’ve done to be here… many players come from humble beginnings. I’m happy here. Everything that happened in my life came naturally.”

“Of course, the biggest dream is to represent our national team, whether in the short or long term, I will work for that.”

“But speaking about club and national team, I think my biggest desire now is to enjoy this moment I’m living and try, one day, to reach the Brazil national team.”

He also linked that ambition directly to Nottingham Forest’s current European run and the exposure it can bring.

“First because we are already in a huge showcase, which is the Premier League. And by winning the Europa League, the visibility increases even more.”

“I think everyone watches it, along with the other European finals. Maybe it’s the second most important competition, which doesn’t take away its shine.”

“So if we reach the final, it’s good for the team, it’s good for the players, and everyone gains more visibility, which is normal.”

What this means for Nottingham Forest

Morato’s comments underline how important this run is for both the squad and the club’s wider project.

A semi-final against Aston Villa, and a chance to turn a long wait into something historic.

Inside the squad, it looks like there is no doubt about the stakes.