Last summer, Orel Mangala left VfB Stuttgart to join Nottingham Forest on a €13m deal.
With the Reds having just been promoted to the Premier League, he probably knew this would be a difficult season, as their main objective was to stay in the top flight.
Now as Mangala speaks to the Belgian media at the national team camp (via RTBF), he claims he’s very proud of his first year at Nottingham Forest, claiming both he and the club managed to reach the objectives their had.
“We stayed up and I’ve played quite a few games, so it’s been a great first season for me at Nottingham,” said Mangala.
Again asked about how good was his season with the Reds, he claims this was actually the ‘best ever’ of his career.
“Yes, it’s the one that gives me the best sensations, and the national team was close to my heart. I knew it could happen, that my turn would come. What I’m hoping for now is to keep improving so that I can settle in with the Devils for good.”
In his first season at Nottingham Forest, Mangala had 1910 minutes played in 31 appearances.
He was one of the many reinforcements the Reds brought to the squad, but still managed to win a place in their midfield, especially in the final stretch of the season. His contract with the club runs until 2026.
In the coming days, the 25-year-old will be with Belgium facing Austria and Estonia in the Euro Qualifiers.
