Nottingham Forest right-back Hildeberto has given an interview to the Portuguese press, mostly talking about his loan spell from Benfica.
The 20-year-old joined Forest last summer, and is expected to stay at the club at least until the end of the season.
“Of course I’d like to try to play in the Premier League, it would also be a dream coming true,” he told O Jogo. “At this moment I’m in a lower tier, in the Championship, but it’s a very competitive test. In the time I’ve been here, I’ve already had the possibility to learn new things.”
But despite all the reports from Portugal which say the Championship side have a €10m buying option over him, the player isn’t too interested and makes it clear he hopes his future is far away from the City Ground.
Speaking about a possible return to Benfica next summer, Hildeberto said: “I’m working hard and I feel good here, but Benfica is my home, my club from the heart, and I keep the goal to return and play at the Estádio da Luz alive. I’m fighting and waiting for this opportunity to make a dream come true, which is mine and my family’s: to play for Benfica’s first team.”
The player also talked about the different roles he’s been playing in: “Here I’ve already played at the right-back, as a 10, on the wing, and I feel the manager is pleased to see me corresponding. Of course, I feel more comfortable as a winger, because that’s where I grew, but I also like it as a defender and I’ve been learning a lot. First, with mister Hélder, and now Philippe Montanier has also been helping me on the defensive aspects.”
Hildeberto has turned out to be an important player for Nottingham Forest’s campaign. The youngster already has 14 appearances this season, including two assists and one goal in the Championship.
He may be keen on returning to Portugal, but if Forest want to buy him and Benfica want to sell, we may see a frustrated Hildeberto at the end of the season.
