nottingham forest Striker Igor Jesus has once again spoken of returning to Brazil one day, with the latest comment about Botafogo making it the second time in just a week he has publicly discussed a move back to one of his former clubs.
The 25-year-old is currently enjoying his summer holidays in Brazil after an impressive first season at the City Ground.
He finished the campaign with 18 goals and five assists in 52 appearances, while also finishing the Europa League as the competition's top scorer despite Forest's semi-final defeat to Aston Villa.
There is nothing to suggest Igor Jesus is thinking about leaving Nottingham Forest this summer. Instead, his latest comments were relayed bolavip Give another glimpse into how he envisions the rest of his career.
A return to Botafogo is already on his mind
Igor Jesus stopped by Botafogo this week, where he was presented with the club's new shirt. The conversation soon turned to the famous number 99 jersey he wore during his hugely successful stint in Rio de Janeiro.
"That number means something. I'll tell you - I tried to get No. 99 there, but the Premier League doesn't allow it, so I went to No. 19."
This naturally raises the obvious question as to whether he sees himself returning to Botafogo in the future. His answer left no room for doubt.
"There were incredible moments for me wearing the number 99 here at Botafogo and I hope I will wear it again. God willing! It will happen, it will happen. We just need faith and patience. There is still a lot left in my career and I hope to play for Botafogo again."
The striker also admitted that his relationship with the club is as strong as ever.
"It makes me happy to see how happy the kids are. Nowadays parents send me videos of them watching my matches in England. This is a club I will carry with me for the rest of my life and throughout my career. It is the club in my heart."
Similar quotes from last week
The Botafogo comments were no different case. Just last week, Igor Jesus spent part of his holidays in CoritibaThe club where his career began.
The trip was mainly for personal reasons, with the Nottingham Forest striker explaining that his wife had recently given birth to a child in his home town, Paraná state, and he wanted to be close to his family during the summer.
While he was there, he trained at the club's facilities, praised the improvements Coritiba had made behind the scenes and spoke warmly about the place where it all began.
"The experiences I had at Botafogo were unique and incredible, but that will never diminish my affection for Coritiba. Never. I recognize everything the club did for me and I am grateful."
He also praised the direction the club is taking.
"All this shows that the club has improved a lot and everyone there wants to take Coritiba back to the highest level. They are on the right track and I hope they keep going."
Taken alone, none of the visits point to an imminent transfer. However, together, they tell a slightly different story.
In the space of a week, Igor Jesus has publicly spoken of returning to two different former clubs, making it clear that a move back to Brazil is already part of his long-term thinking.
Of course Igor Jesus has just completed his first season in England and has established himself as one of the club's most important players. But after openly discussing a future return to both Coritiba and Botafogo in consecutive weeks, he has certainly given supporters a glimpse of where he hopes his career will finally come full circle.
