Manchester City defender Vitor Reis has made it clear he wants to return to the Etihad after using his Girona loan to grow into a regular at senior level.
The 20-year-old centre-back has become a pillar in LaLiga this season, and his recent Brazil call-up only adds to the sense that his development is accelerating.
The Brazilian has played 27 league matches, starting 26. That consistency reflects his importance at Girona, where he has established himself as a reliable presence in defence while adapting to European football. In Spain, he is already seen as an “elite” prospect.
In an extensive interview with Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte, Vitor Reis opened up on his journey so far, from his early days at Manchester City to his current situation in Spain and his ambitions for the future.
“My intention is to return to Manchester City”
Vitor Reis did not hide his long-term goal when discussing his future.
“My intention, my desire, is to return to Manchester City, to play and have space. But, as I always say, I will focus on the day-to-day, on this end of the season, so that when the moment for that conversation comes, we can sit down calmly, with a clear mind,” he said.
That stancefits with Manchester City’s plan. The club sent him to Girona to gain minutes, and the move has worked as intended. The defender himself admitted the decision initially surprised him.
“When I found out they were thinking about loaning me, I was a bit shocked, because it wasn’t something that crossed my mind. But after I understood it better and spoke to several people, I realised it would be good for me, especially for minutes, for playing more games. At my age, I need to play.”
He added: “So I think it was a very important decision, 100% correct, to come here. Here at Girona I am very happy. The people are incredible, and I believe it was a very good choice.”
Reality check at Manchester City
Vitor Reis also reflected on his first experiences after joining Manchester City from Palmeiras in a deal worth around £32m (€40m).
“City was also a very beautiful story in my life. When I arrived there, it was kind of a reality check, just like it was with the national team. You arrive and see the players around you. I remember seeing my name next to guys like Rodri, Bernardo Silva… and that made me very happy.”
He highlighted the club’s environment and demands.
“It is a club that always tries to get the maximum out of players, and that helped me a lot. I learned many things with Pep, who is a surreal guy in terms of mentality and understanding of the game.”
The contact with Manchester City has remained constant during his loan spell.
“I keep in touch with the City director [Hugo Viana]. I talk a lot with the City Group staff, they are often here in Girona as well. For me it is very important to have that contact, that care from them, and I am very happy they are close, always trying to see and understand everything that is happening here.”
Learning from Guardiola
The Brazilian described his early interactions with Pep Guardiola and how they shaped his development. It is worth recalling the Spaniard himself convinced Vitor Reis to join Manchester City.
“When you arrive there and see Pep Guardiola, you feel that fear, that different sensation. But on the first day, when I was presented at the training centre, I already had contact with him. We were there with my family, my agent… and when he appeared, everyone was very happy, even more than me.”
He added: “After that, I went up to his office, we talked quickly, and that already made me feel more comfortable, more welcomed.”
The learning process continued on the pitch.
“That first contact was very important. Then, day to day, in training, he also spoke to me, and I learned a lot from him, especially in how to understand the game, how to make things easier on the pitch.”
“He is a very intelligent guy. If you do what he asks, your game flows better. And beyond that, he has a hunger to win that is surreal. Even after winning everything, he is still on the touchline with the same intensity, wanting to win, guiding everyone. That is a huge difference.”
“It was a dream to work with him, and, God willing, I hope I can return and experience that again.”
Brazil call-up and the 3am surprise
His recent Brazil call-up came in unexpected fashion, as we recently covered, further underlining how quickly his profile is growing. He shared that story in his words this time.
“It was during the early morning, around 1:30 or 2am. I was sleeping with my wife, and they tried to call me. Because my phone is on night mode, they ended up calling my wife’s phone.”
“We heard the noise, woke up, I saw it was my agent calling, picked up the phone and answered. He said: ‘Are you ready? We are going to the national team.’ At that moment, I didn’t believe it. I said: ‘Which national team? You are lying, you are joking with me…’”
“But as I woke up properly, I realised it was true. Then it was just joy.”
He admitted the timing made it even more surprising.
“It was definitely a surprise, especially because of the moment it happened. The call-up had already been announced earlier, after the match, and I didn’t expect it anymore.”
“And also because it is the Brazilian national team. It has always been a dream to be there. Being called up, being alongside players you always dreamed of playing with, is very gratifying.”
Facing the elite and growing fast
Vitor Reis also pointed to key moments in Spain that have accelerated his development, including facing Real Madrid’s attack.
“It is not simple to deal with an attack with Vinicius Jr., Mbappe and Bellingham. It is a game that requires maximum concentration. Our team was very competitive, and I am very happy with the attitude of everyone and the positive result.”
“We knew the size of the challenge and prepared a lot for that game. Getting a positive result against Real Madrid gives confidence and shows we are on the right path.”
He also had an “imperial” display against Barcelona this season. The defender also stressed his mindset when discussing bigger ambitions, including the World Cup.
“I am very calm. I always say I am trying to do what I can control, which is the day to day, the matches, doing everything within my reach. The future belongs to God.”
“If it is meant to happen now, then so be it. I will keep working and stay focused. It is about doing what I can control and leaving the decisions to those who have to make them.”
He added: “Sometimes it seems impossible, right? You look and see it is very difficult. But the call-up also seemed difficult, and I was called. That shows you cannot stop dreaming.”
“My dream is to play in a World Cup, which for me is the biggest competition there is. That is the biggest dream of my life, as I believe it is for all players.”
“I also dream of winning the Champions League, which is the biggest club competition in the world. Those are my dreams.”
What happens next for Vitor Reis
Vitor Reis’ trajectory now feels clearly aligned with Manchester City’s long-term plan. He has gained the minutes he needed, established himself as a starter, and started to attract attention at international level.
With a return to the Etihad expected after his loan, the defender is positioning himself to compete for a place. His performances in Spain, combined with his mentality and ambition, suggest Manchester City will soon have a more complete player back in their squad.