Igor Jesus
Igor Jesus, the Nottingham Forest striker, has opened up about his unexpected journey from being a goalkeeper in Brazil to playing in the Premier League. The 5ft 11in forward, who once envisioned representing the UAE rather than Brazil, has shared his experiences and the pivotal moments that shaped his career.
Igor Jesus said: “I was happy at Botafogo, things were going well. I knew an opportunity would present itself at any moment so I made the decision together with my family. Also every player wants to play in the Premier League and play alongside the best players.”
He continued: “I’m happy. I’m happy here. I made a great decision. I’m able to live through this new experience, to be able to experience a different type of cold. I’m trying to settle as quickly as possible. It’s a different league to Brazil. It’s a much more physical league so you have to be strong and really prepare yourself well because the pace of the game here is quicker. Little by little I’m adapting to it. I’m enjoying being a part of this important season.”
Reflecting on his early days, Jesus said: “The truth is I started out as a goalkeeper but I stopped wanting to be a goalkeeper after I broke my arm in a scooter accident. I never wanted to ride a scooter. The first time I rode one, I hit a stone, went flying and landed on my arm. My arm swelled up when I fell. Even though I didn’t break it while playing in goal, just the thought that I could end up in that situation again was enough for me not to want to risk it. My nickname was ‘Little frog’. I could jump very high and had an unusual jumping style when it came to making saves.”
He added: “Before I left to Coritiba, a coach saw that I had something different and played me as a midfielder. I could get away from my marker well and had good instincts and the coach ended up playing me as a striker. I was already stocky and strong so from that moment on the coach played me a striker.”
Igor Jesus’s journey to the Premier League is a testament to his resilience and adaptability. Starting as a goalkeeper, a scooter accident led him to switch positions, eventually becoming a striker. His talent was recognized at Coritiba, where he excelled in youth tournaments, and later at Shabab Al Ahli in Dubai, where he won domestic trophies. The move to Nottingham Forest marked a significant step in his career, allowing him to compete in one of the world’s most prestigious leagues.
Having transitioned from Brazil’s Botafogo to England, Jesus is adjusting to the physical demands and fast pace of the Premier League. His journey is not only about personal growth but also about embracing new challenges and opportunities. As he continues to adapt, Jesus remains grateful for his experiences and the chance to play at the highest level.
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