Carlos Miguel has again admitted his decision to leave Nottingham Forest after just one year was driven largely by a desire to return to Brazil’s national team picture.
The goalkeeper spent a season at Nottingham Forest but made only two appearances. He has now joined Palmeiras, becoming the most expensive goalkeeper signing in the Brazilian club’s history. However, according to his own words, minutes – or the lack of them – proved decisive.
Speaking to Globo Esporte in Brazil about his exit from the City Ground, Carlos Miguel made it clear that game time was the key issue.
“For me, my return was very important also thinking about the national team, because Palmeiras is a gigantic club, and considering where I was, I was not getting minutes,” he said.
“I preferred to come to Palmeiras, which is an excellent team and has a history of several goalkeepers who went to the Brazilian national team. There are many world titles there.”
Lack of minutes at Nottingham Forest
From Nottingham Forest’s perspective, the situation was simple. Carlos Miguel struggled to break into the starting XI and remained a back-up option throughout his stay in England.
As a result, his chances of remaining in the thoughts of Brazil’s coaching staff diminished. With the World Cup approaching later this year, he felt a move was necessary.
“I know I can perform at the highest level. I know I am a great goalkeeper. I was already on the national team radar before,” he added.
“I hope to play good matches to return again and be able to go to a World Cup, whether this one or the next. My work will deliver that.”
Life after Nottingham
Nottingham Forest invested in the goalkeeper as part of their squad planning, but he ultimately failed to secure regular opportunities. His departure suggests both parties accepted the sporting reality.
For Forest, it frees up space in the goalkeeping department and underlines the competitive environment at the club. For Carlos Miguel, meanwhile, the move signals a clear prioritisation of international ambition over Premier League status.
Ultimately, the Brazilian’s own explanation leaves little room for doubt – without minutes at Nottingham Forest, he felt his World Cup hopes were fading.