A return to European glory beckons. Nottingham Forest's stunning ascent to third place in the Premier League has fans dreaming of Champions League nights, a feat not seen since 1980. At the heart of this resurgence lies Brazilian defender Murillo. With a pivotal league match against Manchester United looming, Showmax sat down with Murillo to discuss his career and about life at Nottingham Forest.
You finished 17th last season, and now you're up with Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea. Did you expect that evolution?
We knew how good we already were, and how good the newcomers were. The players from last season really gelled with the newcomers, and we were hoping to have a great season. It's good to see that everything is working out, we're happy with that. Now with this surprise, we need to keep it up so that better things come.
It looks like you’re having fun this season. It must feel great going toe to toe with such strong teams.
It feels great. When we're on the pitch, we can see they respect us more. Now we know we've reached the point we've been looking for. That feels really great for us. Even more so because of the union we feel in the club, among all the players. I mean, all the players feel settled at the club, everybody jokes with one another, everybody talks to one another, and I think that's paramount off the pitch, and we're managing to bring that feeling to the pitch, and it's working just right.
Apart from that important feeling, what do you think makes it work so well?
I think we've got Nuno’s [Espírito Santo] idea, which is the main thing. That relationship between players and manager is crucial to make things work. I think we've managed to understand what he's passed on to us. Of course, with his intelligence and his staff who help out each of the players, no one is left behind, he's with all of us. If he sees you fall, he runs to help you out. That connection is really solid, and that was crucial for us to reach this point.
When you say he's with everyone, what do you mean?
I mean he cares for all of us, he wants everybody on the same wavelength. He looks like a tough man, one that really gives you the "hair dryer"treatment. I'd say it's just the appearance. He is one of the funniest managers I’ve ever had, he jokes with everyone, loves a laugh. It's always fun being with him and to listen to his stories. He's a very cool, funny guy.
Now talking about you, when you were playing futsal, then at São Caetano, then Ecos and União Barbarense. Did you picture yourself reaching such a high level? To even be considered one of the best, perhaps the best in the Premier League?
I'm really glad about the moment I'm having, it's been really rewarding. It shows how the hard work pays off. I knew I could dream big, but when you have God in your path, he takes you to places you'd never dreamed of. That's what has been happening to me, so I am really glad and, God willing, this is just the beginning of many things, because I'm 22 years old, and if it's up to me, I really want to achieve big things.
How was your childhood in São Paulo?
Wow ... I remember I started football at six at São Caetano, but really it was at 10 at the football academy where I started properly. I send my love to Marcelinho and Sandra, because they were key to my growth, as a player and personally, from 6 to 16. I remember it like it was yesterday, when my late dad took me there. I lost my dad when I was 10. He took me there to try to take the first steps in my career. It's very moving. It feels like yesterday, it's still very memorable to this day.
You were raised in a family of Corinthians fans, right? Tell us about your passion for Corinthians. Did you watch them on TV every weekend?
Honestly, and I think I can say this now ... some might think differently, but whatever. Until I was eight or nine years old, I was a São Paulo fan.
Are you serious? Did your dad know that?
He did. When Corinthians played São Paulo, and Corinthians would win most of the time, my dad used to make fun of me, and I would get angry and cry. I would run to my bedroom and lock myself in, really mad. Then I thought better after watching Corinthians beat Santos 3-1, when Ronaldo scored a chip at Vila Belmiro, over Fabio Costa. Wow ... It’s a really great memory when he did that Panenka, I ran out of the bar I was at on our street. I went to my dad’s house. I took off my shirt and put on my Corinthians one. Then I went back to the bar. Everyone looked at me, the little kid, and I said, "from this day on I'm a Corinthians fan!" and everyone went mad. From then on, I had Corinthians in my blood.