The defender Murillo from Brazil is at the center of this comeback. Showmax spoke with Murillo about his career and life at Nottingham Forest as a crucial league game against Manchester United approached.
You are now up against Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea after finishing 17th the previous season. Did you anticipate that change?
You seem to be enjoying yourselves this season. Going up against such talented teams must be an amazing experience.
It feels fantastic. We can tell they respect us more when we're on the field. We are aware that we have arrived at the destination we have been seeking. For us, that is very wonderful. The unity among all the players in the club makes it even more so. We're able to transfer that vibe to the field, and it's working perfectly. All of the players, after all, seem to be at home at the club; they joke around and talk to one other, which is crucial in my opinion off the field.
What do you believe makes it so effective, other from that sense of importance?
The essential element, in my opinion, is Nuno's [Espírito Santo] idea. To make things work, the manager-player relationship is essential. I believe we have been able to comprehend what he has taught us. Of course, he is with all of us because of his intelligence and his staff, who assist each team member. He rushes to your aid if he witnesses you falling. It was essential for us to get to this stage because that connection is so strong.
What do you mean when you say that he is with everyone?
I mean, he wants everyone to be on the same page and cares about us all. He gives you the "hair dryer" treatment and appears to be a rough guy. It's just the appearance, in my opinion. He likes to joke with everyone and is one of the funniest managers I've ever had. Spending time with him and hearing his stories is always enjoyable. He's a humorous, cool guy.
Speaking of you, you played futsal at São Caetano in the past, followed by Ecos and União Barbarense. Did you see yourself achieving this level of success? To even be regarded as one of the Premier League's best, if not the best?
How did your early years in São Paulo go?
Whoa... I started playing football at São Caetano when I was six years old, but I actually started playing football properly at the football academy when I was ten. Between the ages of six and sixteen, Marcelinho and Sandra were crucial to my development both as a footballer and as a person, thus I send them my love. My late father took me there, and I recall it as if it were yesterday. When I was ten, my father passed away. He brought me there so I could attempt to launch my career. It's really poignant. Even now, it is still highly unforgettable and seems like yesterday.
I take it that you grew up with a family of Corinthians supporters? Describe your enthusiasm for Corinthians. Did you spend every weekend watching them on TV?
To be honest, I believe I can say this at this point. Others may have a different opinion, but whatever. I was a São Paulo fan until I was eight or nine years old.
Are you serious? Was your father aware of that?
Yes, he did. I used to get upset and cry when my dad made fun of me when Corinthians played São Paulo and won most of the time. I would get so angry that I would bolt to my bedroom and lock myself in. After seeing Corinthians defeat Santos 3-1 and Ronaldo score a chip over Fabio Costa at Vila Belmiro, I changed my mind. Whoa... I had just left the bar on our street when he did it, Panenka, and it's a truly wonderful recollection. I visited my father's home.I went to my dad's house, changed out of my shirt, and put on my Corinthians one before returning to the bar. When I said, "From this day on, I'm a Corinthians fan!" everyone went crazy, and I had Corinthians in my blood from that point on.
Could you say that Ronaldo did this?
Yes, and I added that they are a winning squad with a lot of guts and a strong will to win following that goal. I had the thought that I would like to play for that club someday. I wanted to experience the essence of Corinthians firsthand. I was maybe eight or nine. "Dad, one day I want to play for Corinthians," I recall telling him.
I take it your dad took you to futsal?
Yes, at the age of six.
How was that? Did they think you had what it required when they saw you?
I take it your dad took you to futsal?
Yes, at the age of six.
How was that? Did they think you had what it required when they saw you?
How was your development in futsal? Did you consistently rank among the best? Fortunately, I was always among the best. I started out aged six. When I was seven I joined a club called Ribeirão Pires, close to my home. I played for the U-7s and U-8s there because the coach, Marcelinho from São Caetano, took me. He had a connection so he took me there. I was there for U-7 and U-8 levels. At U-9 level I went to Palmeiras. Then aged 10, I moved on to 11-a-side, playing for Mercedes, and I think the club no longer exists, but that’s where I started 11-a-side, in Vila Formosa, a pitch at Flor de Vila Formosa.I started there, splitting my time between futsal and 11-a-side. I played for São Caetano’s U-11’s, then at U-13 level I played for União Suzano, then at U-15 I played for São Bernardo. I played futsal and 11-a-side during that time, letting 11-a-side take precedence over futsal. When I was 16 I went to Palmeiras and played futsal there, and 11-a-side at Fut Talentos. But in that year, I treated 11-a-side with less importance and played more futsal. The following year, my mum came to speak with me and said, “it’s decision time: pick futsal or 11-a-side.” I thought about it and said to myself, “I’ll stick with 11-a-side.” I forgot about futsal and focused on 11-a-side.
Why did you decide on 11-a-side? Did you think you could do more?
No, I was great at futsal. I could’ve been … It’s hard to talk about myself. I could’ve been one of the best pivots in Brazil. I scored lots of goals because I was great and talented. I scored a lot of goals, but I said to myself, “11-a-side can give me a better future.” At that point, my heart was really torn because I didn't know. I put it in the hands of God and it turned out well. So, I sort of put futsal to one side and focused on 11-a-side. Then at U-16 level I played for União Barbarense along with Fut Talentos, where I was loaned to, but I was also featuring for União Barbarense. Then I moved to Corinthians and my story began there. I played for their U-17s, second year in the U-17s, and I went to the U-20s. I was there for three years at that age group, then, the first team.
During that time, did you have a difficult moment in which you said, “I’m not sure if it’ll work out.”
Thank God I’ve always had people around me who helped me. Of course there were moments where things went wrong and I thought “I’m not going to play anymore, I’m not going to do anything.” But this would be a Friday. And then after the weekend, on Monday I’d say “no, I can’t live without football,” and I’d feel better. I never thought about quitting, because it’s always been my plan A, my only plan. The only plan I ever had, because I always knew it was going to work out. From my perspective, it was always going to work out, right? No matter what. I can recall something my friend's father, Yuri, said to me once: "If you get to the end one day and it didn't work out, you didn't get to the end." He was congratulating me on my birthday. He said it to me and at the time I didn’t quite understand it, but then I thought, “well, if it hasn’t worked out it’s because the time hasn’t come yet, because when the time is right, it’s going to happen.” And that stuck in my mind, “if I get to the end and it didn’t happen, it’s not the end. ” Then Nottingham came in. So I went to Duílio, man to man, and said: “I want to go, mate. It's my nightmare. I want to play. I did it and no one can take it from me.
How did you decide to join Forest when many other clubs were after you?
Yes, I knew about the clubs interested in me, but I always made it clear: “It’s great, I’m happy with the interest, but the Premier League is my priority.” There was Napoli, I think Fiorentina, something from Torino as well, then Nottingham’s interest and offer, also Crystal Palace, and two more clubs I don’t remember.
And you wanted the Premier League?
I wanted the Premier League. I said: “If a Premier League offer comes, it’s my dream, the best league in the world.” Then Nottingham came in. So I went to Duílio, man to man, and said: “I want to go, mate. it’s my dream. I want to play.” After that, he said to me, "mate, you've been honest with me." We’ll see. If the offer’s good for both of us, perfect,” and it all worked out.
When you arrived, did you expect to be a starter in your first season, or have to battle for your spot?
I remember when I arrived, it was really tough, a very physical game, the players were strong, and I thought, “I’m going to struggle here.” Then we had a match against City, and I got dropped at the hotel. The coach told me, “you’ve been training and performing well, but to get up to speed, adapt, and gain the strength you need, it’ll take you two or three months to play.” I listened, nodded, and left, but in my head, I was like, “what? Two or three months? No way I’m waiting that long, no chance.” I remember deciding to speed up the process, training at the club and outside. I hired a personal trainer, which I think is essential for any athlete, training at the club and having a personal one to complement it. It’s essential for a top-level athlete, so I started training at the club. I’d arrive, then train with the personal one. I thought, “I need to improve. Improve outside, get stronger, more prepared, because on the pitch, quality is my thing. I did it, and no one can take it from me. I can't remember if that was in October or September, but I think it was. On the 1st of October, we were going to play against Brentford, and on the day of the game, the coach came and said I was going to play. I said, “I’m playing?” ; he said, “Yes. Brentford is a team like this and that, and I need your quality, your long balls.” I said, “I’m ready for the game.” The same thing occurred at Corinthians: I never stopped playing after I played. I used to say, “if the opportunity comes, I’ll play and I won’t stop.” That’s what I told my agents, “I’ll play and I won’t stop.” I’ve always thought that way, and thank God, for both clubs I played for, at the professional level, that’s happened.
How did it feel to score your first professional goal against Newcastle? It was madness. It was the last game before I joined the national team, and my agent said, “you have to score, to arrive in good form, feeling confident.” I said, “leave it with me. I’ll do it.” So I got on the pitch against Newcastle, and I started off the game feeling different, feeling very confident. I thought: “it’ll happen. I don’t know, I might get an assist and score.” That was that. Then, there was a foul, and, during the throw-in I remember they were all lined up like this, and, I was in the middle of the box, heading towards the far post. It was as if someone had pulled me and said, “no, head it toward the near post.” Then I said, “okay, I’ll go to the near post.” When I was about to hit the ball, I looked at Anthony [Elanga], and I thought: “he’s going to kick the ball towards the near post. I’ll go there. What if this works?” And that’s what happened. He delivered the perfect cross at the right angle and I just guided it into the net. I celebrated it as much as I could. I paid tribute to Dani [Danilo] with a little dance he wanted me to do, and, after that, I did my own celebration. I forgot to do the baby bump celebration for my daughter. My wife got furious with me. She said, “you did all the celebrations, but forgot the one that mattered the most!” So I told her, “there will be more goals. “I might not score them now, but I promise I’ll score them soon.” It was a memorable day for me.
You were then invited to play for the national team, after playing only 74 professional matches. What was it like joining the national team?
Everyone, I believe, has dreams about it. Every Brazilian player at elite level dreams about playing for the national team, and, for me, it was no different. I’ve always been asked in interviews, “do you think you don’t have a chance?”. “Do you think you shouldn’t be in the team?” To which I’ve always said, “I’m calm, I’m at peace.” It’ll happen when it’s time. I’m ready, though I haven’t had the chance to play yet, but just being there is a huge step. It’s an incredible experience, playing with players I used to see only on TV or play with in the FIFA video game. The day-to-day is very rewarding, sharing the pitch with these players, and learning a lot from them.
You renewed your contract with the club until 2029. What are your current goals? My goal is to achieve something nobody has ever done. I think there’s a quote that says: “If someone does something, I’ll do it too. And if nobody has, I’ll be the first one to do it.” I try to leave my mark wherever I go, so people can say: “Murillo was a great player. He’s played here.” I try to leave this legacy. I’m trying my best to get the team into the Champions League, to perform well in the Premier League, and to reach the level I know I’m capable of. It’s about playing my best for the fans who are always there showing their support, and, above all earning the respect of all the players and the club staff. That’s the main thing, when people see you and say, “not only was he a good player, but a great human being, a great man.” I think that’s the main thing.
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