Murillo joined Nottingham Forest from Corinthians for £10.3 million in August. Photo: Darren Staples
Nottingham Forest have signed more than 40 players since then. their long-awaited return to the Premier League and they look to have struck gold with Murillo Santiago Costa dos Santos.
Signed in August from Brazilian giants Corinthians for £10.3 million, Murillo is 21- summer football player. a veteran center back who is already catching the eye and capturing the imagination.
Powerfully built but with explosive speed, he earned the nickname «Beckenbauer» at his former club for the long, accurate passes that became his signature.< /p>
This became evident in Murillo's first week of training. that Forest has serious talent, and some supporters have already decided to enjoy him while he lasts.
Murillo quickly adapted to life at Nottingham Forest. Photo: Richie Sumpter/Getty Images
“I always wanted to play in the Premier League and I prepared for it,” he says in his first interview with a national newspaper. . “I never imagined it would happen so quickly, but now I'm here and want to perform at my best in the best league.
“I watched these players on TV and now I learn from them. I can do even more, this is just the beginning of my career.»
«I'm looking forward to meeting Haaland»
It is noteworthy that Murillo only made his debut for the Corinthians first team in April, as he already looks like a player made for modern game.
He didn't turn 22 until July, but he's remarkably mature. , always positive and clearly focused on the pursuit of continuous improvement. It's early days, but Forest are already preparing for significant interest from bigger clubs next year.
Murillo made his first public appearance in a televised match against Crystal Palace last month, when he demonstrated outstanding running and dribbling from the halfway line (see below).
Towards the end of last weekend's chaotic encounter with Brighton, there was also a moment when Murillo, seemingly tired, suddenly accelerated into the penalty area and made a perfect tackle to deny João Pedro scores a hat-trick.
“My goal is to come out on top and be the best whoever I play with,” he says.
“I've already tagged Mo Salah and my mum loves him! I'm also looking forward to meeting Richarlison and [Erling] Haaland. These are the players you want to test yourself against. I hate losing and winning is everything.”
Murillo is already a popular player in a dressing room that already includes several Brazilians in Felipe, Danilo and Chelsea loanee Andrei Santos.
< p>He is also close with another defender, Willie Boly, who is a player on the team. unofficial translator as he speaks fluent Portuguese.
Steve Cooper, Forest head coach, has built a reputation for developing young talent and while he is determined to remain cautious, he believes Murillo's potential limitless.
“The coach has shown faith in me, and I want to repay him with my personality on the field,” says Murillo.
“We have a quality team that can achieve a lot. It's still very early in the season and if we stay united together, we can even compete for the European Cup.»
«It was tragic to lose my father at such a young age.»
Murillo's journey to the Premier League World Cup was unpredictable and marred tragedy. He grew up in Sao Paulo and began playing futsal at the age of six, and his father Fabio was a huge influence in those early years.
However, when Murillo was 10 years old, Fabio passed away. It is still very difficult to talk about this today.
“It was tragic to lose him at such a young age, and at the time I really felt like I knew so little about life,” he says.
“Losing a parent is always terrible, no matter your age, but later I later discovered Jesus and realized that life has a purpose.
“My brother and agent were like a father to me, and my grandparents helped me get where I am. I am truly indebted to these people and my mother [Dona Rosa] for such support.
“If my father was still here, I might not be where I am now. My life could have gone differently.”
Murillo (center) has already attracted the attention of many with his performances this season Photos : Darren Staples «People thought I was in the wrong age group»
Murillo's desire to become a professional footballer became even more intense, and he began to visit club academies in São Paulo. One of his first experiences was playing at the Fut Talentos football school, located in the east of the city. His strength and speed were noticeable from a young age.
“Because of my height, the other players' mothers always wondered if I belonged to the older age group,” he laughs.
“When I first started playing, I was a left back. I even played as a goalkeeper once — there were two penalties in the game, and I saved one of them.”
The turning point came in 2019, when he moved to the Corinthians academy. This justified his ambitions as his father was a big fan of the club.
Four years later he made his first-team debut, and although he made just 13 league appearances, word spread across Europe. The nickname «Beckenbauer» makes him smile.
«It came from my former teammate Giuliano, and to be compared to such a football legend is surreal and obviously an honor for me,» he says.
p> p>
“I've been told he's a great centre-back who's really good at building up plays and is brilliant on the ball.
“I wouldn't want to copy him, I'd like to absorb what he does and use it to improve my qualities and strengths. Who knows, maybe I can become an even better player!
“I know that my father is upstairs and helping me”
Napoli made at least one bid for Murillo this summer, while Torino were also interested and Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis was forced into action by the club's recruitment team. Forest will pay an extra £2.5 million in appearance fees and other fees, while Corinthians have agreed a hefty sell-on clause.
Of all the players Forest have signed since promotion, Murillo perhaps stands out the most Total.
He faces Everton this weekend in another big game for the club, and the last few months have been a whirlwind.
During the recent international break, he was approached by his partner Mabili in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
“I was waiting for the right moment. Everything was planned in advance, I had a lot of help from Pablo [Uribe, Forest's head of player relations] and everything went great,” he says.
“We are going to have a wonderful life together under God's guidance.”
With a bright future seemingly guaranteed, Murillo's thoughts about his father will never be far away.
“I wish he was here to see me realize my dream . become a professional football player. I know that he is higher, supports me and helps me.”
Свежие комментарии