Stuart Pearce admits to having been ‘humbled’ by scenes at the City Ground on Saturday ahead of Nottingham Forest’s Premier League clash with Manchester City.
Forest legend Pearce was taken ill on a flight from the United States last week, prompting the club to display a tribute on the big screens inside the stadium which read: "Get well soon Stuart." Forest also posted "Psycho" on X, referencing his nickname, alongside a love heart.
Manager Nuno Espirito Santo spoke affectionately about the former player after the game – and Pearce has today appeared on talkSPORT to reveal how much better he is feeling and his gratitude for the kind words from the Portuguese boss.
“They've been unbelievable. I've got to say it, it was incredibly humbling,” Pearce said. “We were fortunate enough to listen to the talkSPORT commentary, but see the pictures as well from the City Ground on Saturday and it was incredibly humbling for me.
“Obviously Manchester City were playing in that game as well, and their fans were supportive as well, which is another the club I've represented.
“But it was incredible and really nice to hear Nuno's message as well the fact that I am part of their family and my history with the club dictates that.
“So fantastically humbling, it really was but listen, it's what I expect from that football club, they're incredible and how well they're doing.”
Pearce tipped the Reds to go on and qualify for the Champions League. “Yes, I do. I really do. I think they've got a reasonably fully fit squad. I think they've had a couple of games that have enhanced the confidence within the group.
“This game at the weekend beating Manchester City, a rival for a Champions League place, as it stands at the moment, was big for them, and they've got confidence, they've got the backing of the home support, which is quite incredible at the moment.
“I think it's a fantastic story, it's been a long, long time since Forest were in that sort of area in the table, so I certainly think they can, no doubt.”
The 62-year-old also confirmed how much better he is feeling as he awaits to come home. “I'm in good form. Just on the flight [I] had chest pains and stuff like that. The crew on Virgin were brilliant, looked after me fantastically.
"They said, 'Look, we're not going to take the chance of travelling across the Atlantic, we're going to drop you off'.
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