Nottingham Forest target Léo Ortiz keeps showing leadership beyond the game. The 29-year-old helped Flamengo reach the Copa Libertadores final this week. But his recent comments in Brazil revealed a different kind of maturity.
#### Stepping away from social media
In an interview with [**ESPN**](https://www.espn.com.br/futebol/libertadores/artigo/_/id/15812853/ortiz-flamengo-oferta-milionaria-sonho-libertadores-marcar-historia), Ortiz said he chose to leave social media to protect his mental health. The pressure and negativity online had started to affect his mood. He explained that staying close to real friends mattered more than public attention.
_“I started noticing it at certain moments. Of course, when things are going well, you don’t see the bad side of social media, because you get so many compliments. It feeds your ego. But the same people who praise you will later step on you and say you’re worthless,”_ said the defender.
_“It inflates your ego in an illusion, because when things go wrong, all that hate and anger hits you, and you shut down. For a moment I thought it was better to close myself off with people I love, who tell me the truth. That’s why I decided to disconnect”_, he explained.
#### A calm and reliable leader
Fans and commentators in Brazil praised Ortiz for his honesty and control. They see him as one of the most reliable defenders in the country. He reads the game well, keeps calm under pressure, and sets the tone for his teammates.
Nottingham Forest have [**tracked Ortiz for months**](https://sportwitness.co.uk/nottingham-forest-keeping-tabs-on-brazilian-defender-local-reports-say-club-rejected-e20m-bid/). His consistency and emotional strength make him a standout option for the Premier League side.
As he probably has no idea he’s being linked with Nottingham Forest while he’s busy leading Flamengo to another final, the English club continue to follow a player who combines quality with rare composure.