Igor Jesus on conversations with Murillo, moving from Brazil and his ambitions with Nottingham Forest | OneFootball

New Nottingham Forest addition Igor Jesus says he “couldn’t miss the opportunity” to join the Premier League after moving from Botafogo.

He joins the Reds from the Brazilian side, where he established himself as a prolific goalscorer and earned his first call-up to the Brazilian national team in October 2024.

“I’m really happy to be able to wear Nottingham Forest’s shirt,” Jesus said in an interview with Forest Fan TV.  “I hope to do great work to build a good relationship with the club and the fans. I’m motivated by being able to have this chance to compete in a competition like the Premier League and the Europa League.

“I’m sure I’ll do great work to show the fans that I’m capable and to prove to people that I have quality. I’m happy, really happy. I hope to arrive and adapt as quickly as possible to be able to help the team as soon as I can.”

The 24-year-old joins alongside Botafogo teammate Jair Cunha, who will provide additional depth in the backline.

“I had already talked with Jair,” he said. “I spoke with him about the club, that it was a great opportunity for him, to be able to do great work and compete in a big league like the Premier League, so we couldn’t miss this opportunity, especially since sometimes it doesn’t come around again.”

The Brazilian forward scored 17 goals in 59 appearances during a busy campaign with Botafogo, including three in the Club World Cup, where the team defeated Seattle Sounders and PSG in the group stage before falling to fellow Brazilian side Palmeiras in the knockout rounds.

Jesus continued: “During my entire career, I’ve always played as a centre-forward. I’m a very intense player, very agile, with good finishing.

“I am a player who really enjoys physical contact, so I don’t think I’ll have much difficulty with that.

“Of course, the game is probably faster, so I’ve already got that in mind and hope to adapt as quickly as possible to do great work.”

Jesus mentioned that he had spoken to his new Forest colleague and Brazilian compatriot Murillo after hearing that the club were interested in bringing him to the east Midlands.

“I have talked with Murillo before,” he said. “I had already met him in the national team. He spoke very highly of the club; he told me about the structure, the players, the group and the coach.”

Set to arrive in the country on Thursday, the 24-year-old could make his debut as soon as Saturday, when Forest face AS Monaco in a preseason friendly at Chesterfield’s SMH Group Stadium.