Cuiabano sounded relaxed and honest when talking about Nottingham Forest today, explaining why his time in England never really took off and why a return to Brazil felt like the right call. The press conference was relayed by Globo Esporte.
Unveiled this Tuesday as a new player for Vasco da Gama, the left-back made it clear that the issue was timing, not disappointment.
He joined Forest in September 2025, went back on loan to Botafogo soon after, and then returned to England at the end of the season. By then, the Premier League campaign was already in full swing.
“What brought me back to Brazil was the project Vasco showed me,” Cuiabano said. “My family and I were very happy with the project. I arrived in the middle of the season there. So it would have been a bit difficult to play at Nottingham Forest.”
There is no bitterness in how he talks about Forest. Cuiabano admitted he still has ambitions in Europe, but accepted that forcing the situation would not help him.
“Over there it’s mid-season, and I was on holiday,” he explained. “Adapting is hard for any Brazilian player. As a left-back, it’s even harder. I felt it was better to come back, play, and be happy.”
Gone without a Nottingham Forest appearance
Cuiabano
That context also explains why he never featured for Forest’s first team. He trained in England and played at Under-21 level, but never made an official senior appearance before this move.
Now fully registered, Cuiabano is already available to debut for Vasco in the Brazilian league. The switch gives him minutes, confidence and a clear role again, while Forest keep their long-term interests protected through the loan deal.
For Cuiabano, it feels less like closing a door and more like taking a step sideways – choosing the right moment, rather than rushing the European dream.