Nottingham Forest’s chapter with Carlos Miguel is officially closed, and the goalkeeper has now explained in detail why he chose to return to Brazil so quickly.
Presented on Friday as Palmeiras’ latest signing, the 26-year-old goalkeeper admitted it wasn’t a case of things “not working out” in England, but rather a lack of opportunities behind Matz Sels, who enjoyed a strong campaign.
“I didn’t get the chance to play. Sels had an incredible season. I had opportunities from other clubs there, but I decided to return because I felt in my heart it was the right time. I don’t know if I’ll ever go back to England , nobody knows the future. When they asked me about Palmeiras, I wanted to come, regardless of history with another club. I’m a professional, that comes first,” he told reporters.
Carlos Miguel stressed that adapting to life in England was tougher than he expected, and that played a role in his decision. “It’s not about consolidating myself. It wasn’t by chance that I decided to return. I feel things. When I felt I wasn’t 100% at Nottingham Forest, maybe it was because I didn’t learn English quickly. It took me five or six months. That can change a lot in communication. But thank God I managed to talk to everyone, I learned many things very fast, because I’m someone who adapts quickly.”
The goalkeeper featured just three times for Forest and admits the return home came down to instinct. “I could have stayed, the club didn’t want to let me go. It was even difficult to get the release. It wasn’t by chance that I decided to come back, it was instinct. When it hit me, ‘go to Palmeiras, you’ll be happy’, I couldn’t ignore it. One day I might return to Europe, I’ve already shown everyone what I can do, and I’m not afraid to say it.”
Despite so few senior games under his belt – fewer than 30 starts as a professional – he argued he’s already proven his ability. “It doesn’t take many games to show your quality. Everyone here already knows what I can do. I’m not afraid to play, and I’m not afraid to speak either. For me, being here is pure joy, a huge recognition of what I’m capable of.”
Carlos Miguel also insisted that he’s settling in quickly at Palmeiras, describing his first days as “happy” and the atmosphere as “very light”. “I’m very communicative, and everyone here is great. The squad is happy, the structure makes it easy. It was easy to adapt. My talk with the coach was great, very direct. We’re here to work and show results, that’s what I’m here for.”
Now fully registered, he could already be on the team sheet for Palmeiras’ next game, when they host Sport on Monday in the Brazilian league.