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Danilo departed Nottingham Forest last summer, with the player surprisingly leaving to join Botafogo in Brazil.
The midfielder’s performances in South America have been so impressive that he’s earned himself a place in the Brazil World Cup squad selected by Carlo Ancelotti.
Should we re-sign Danilo this summer?
The player has been linked with a Premier League return but would we have him back?
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
Danilo broke his ankle on the first day of the 2024/25 campaign, and after making a return within six months, he struggled for regular game time under Nuno Espirito Santo.
Now, 12 months on from his Forest exit, Danilo has opened up on how he felt about moving on from the City Ground.
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty ImagesDanilo shares why he left Nottingham Forest
As many fans wonder what might have been with Danilo, Forest fans now have the reason why the player departed straight from the horse’s mouth.
Danilo told Sport Witness: “It was a difficult period. Breaking my ankle and watching a season pass because of injury, then coming back and not getting a run of games.
“I knew I had a World Cup to play for and that I needed minutes and preparation.
“It was very difficult. I have the age to be in Europe, but my serious injury made me lose my place.
“At first, I didn’t want to return to Brazil. I wanted to turn things around and shine, but this is football, and these are the things you can’t control.
Danilo has interest from some top football clubs to return to England this summer, with Arsenal and Manchester United keen.
The fact that Danilo has suggested he never wanted to leave Forest is extremely annoying since he’s become a quality player since returning to Botafogo.
Danilo has added a goal threat and a creative spark to his game, and the recruitment team might live to regret not ensuring the player remained at the City Ground.
Given that he’s set to star for Brazil at this summer’s World Cup, this could be one deal that looks extremely bad on the club’s recruitment and lessons must be learned regarding Danilo.
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