Jesus excited to join Forest
Brazil forward has signed a four-year contract
24-year-old ready to give his all for the Club
Nottingham Forest’ new Brazilian forward, Igor Jesus, has spoken of his delight after joining the Club from Botafogo.
Jesus penned a four-year contract at the City Ground after the FIFA Club World Cup with his former side ahead of the upcoming Premier League campaign.
The Brazil international arrives on Trentside with a trophy laden history, having achieved success in the United Arab Emirates with Shabab Al Ahli and Fogo, where he won a Série A and Copa Libertadores double in 2024.
Now Jesus moves to the City Ground, excited to be part of the Club’s future.
Speaking to nottinghamforest.co.uk, Jesus said: “I’m really happy to be a part of this new story, especially at a club like Nottingham Forest. I’m genuinely really happy and I hope I can give back on the pitch by getting good results, training well and having great moments in a Forest shirt. You can be sure that I will do my very best to help this club as much as I possibly can.
“I followed the club towards the end of the season when I knew about the transfer to come here, I was really excited. I was really happy with the club’s success.
“I really got behind the team competing for a Champions League place hoping to be able to experience that competition. Regardless of what competition we are playing in, you can rest assured that my heart and soul are a part of Nottingham Forest.
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“I think I’m a completely mobile player. I have a lot of mobility up front. I hope to help my teammates as much as possible, by scoring goals and contributing to the team. I’m certain that I’m prepared for this new challenge and hope to achieve good results and help Forest in the best way possible.”
Jesus revealed he discussed Forest with his new teammate Murillo prior to his move to NG2.
“I caught up with Murillo with the Brazilian National Team. I spoke to him at the end of the year and asked him what the club was like. He gave me a fantastic account of the club. I was really pleased with what he said and it won me over. I didn’t have to think twice about the offer, I embraced it. I embraced the project that they sent me. I am delighted to be coming here and hope to do some great work.
“We all know how difficult it is to win championships like these (Série A & Copa Libertadores), two huge competitions for us in Brazil. I was overjoyed, really satisfied to have been a part of making this history. Today I leave Botafogo happy, with my head held high, a club where I had wonderful moments. I now hope to have great times in a Nottingham Forest shirt and win titles with the club.
“I think by arriving at the start of pre-season helps you a lot, it helps you adapt quicker, you can get to know your teammates and the coach’s style of play. I’m really pleased to be arriving at this moment. My teammates can get to know me as well and see what I can offer the team. I’m genuinely delighted, I hope to achieve good results and be successful with Nottingham Forest.”
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As well as Murillo, Jesus turned to Marçal, who played under Forest Head Coach Nuno Espírito Santo at Wolves, who spoke highly of the Reds’ boss.
“I’d spoken to Marçal, who played under Nuno at Wolves. He spoke really highly of him and said he’s someone who loves players with characteristics like mine, speed and playing well from deep. I was encouraged by what he told me and I’m sure I will train to the maximum so that I can fit in with his style of play.
“My first objective is to arrive and settle well at the club, to be able to adapt as quickly as possible. I believe that is the main thing. By adapting well you can be sure of the best results. I am happy and motivated with this new challenge. Rest assured that whilst I am at Forest I will do my very best to help the club achieve its goals.”
The Brazil international is already looking forward to meeting the Forest faithful and show those in the City Ground what he can bring to the team.
“I did ask Murillo about the fans. He spoke so highly of the fans. I’m delighted to be at a club like this, where the fans are passionate, they can be certain that I will do my very best by them to help the club.
“I believe the fans are our 12th player, they support us during the game, they give us additional motivation when we need it and transmit their positive energy to us. I will do my very best to achieve great results and bring joy to all the Forest family.”