Nottingham Forest striker Igor Jesus has spoken about his adaptation to English football after earning his first call-up to the Brazil national team under Carlo Ancelotti.
The 24-year-old, who joined Forest from Botafogo in June, told local outlet Itatiaia Esporte the Premier League demands a level of physicality he’d never faced before.
“English football has a lot of strength, and the players there have great quality. The game is faster, with more contact. I play against defenders who are two metres tall. In Brazil, I didn’t have this difficulty with aerial balls. Little by little I’m adapting,” Igor Jesus said.
He added his focus now is on improving both on and off the pitch. “I think I’m improving a lot. First, I want to learn English faster, it’s one of the most important things. The group welcomed me very well, and I’m adapting on the pitch, managing to deliver what the coach asks. I hope to keep getting better,” he said.
Since joining Nottingham Forest, Igor Jesus has made nine appearances – three as a starter – and scored four goals: two against Swansea City in the EFL Cup and another brace against Real Betis in the Europa League.
His performances earned him a spot in Ancelotti’s squad for the friendlies against South Korea and Japan, the first since his arrival in the Premier League.
The Brazil manager has already praised the striker’s physical presence and aerial strength, suggesting Igor Jesus could see his first minutes under the Italian this week.
