Gustavo Scarpa admits he will be fulfilling a childhood dream with his impending move to Nottingham Forest, telling Placar that he did not expect to seal a move to the Premier League despite his outstanding form with Palmeiras.
With Jesse Lingard’s place in the Forest XI already in question – the former Manchester United man was left on the bench for the much-improved 1-1 draw with Aston Villa last time out – the last thing he needs is to see some serious competition arrive for the number ten position.
And Scarpa, while far from a household name this side of the Atlantic, is no ordinary number ten.
Capped by Brazil, and a candidate for Tite’s 2022 World Cup squad, Scarpa is set to arrive at the City Ground after producing 11 goals and 14 assists for Palmeiras this season. In five years at the Allianz Parque, he has accumulated seven trophies.
Nottingham Forest agree deal to sign Brazil international Gustavo Scarpa
Palmeiras confirmed a couple of weeks ago, via an official statement, that Scarpa is joining Forest in January. His current contract expires at the end of this calendar year.
“Since I was 11 years old, (playing in the Premier League) was my biggest dream,” Scarpa beams. “I imagined that I would be able to go to Europe because I had an Italian passport. But I did not imagine the Premier League. I imagined a smaller club from Spain, from Italy, something like that.
“I know about (Nottingham Forest’s) difficult situation. It will be difficult, but I want to breathe new air.”
Scarpa played against Chelsea in the Club World Cup recently. And, when quizzed about his desire to make his mark on English soil, the former Fluminense ace admits that the iconic Premier League atmosphere played a major role in his decision to leave Palmeiras for a fresh start.
“It was more about the atmosphere of the game. Premier League makes games that are surreal, exciting,” adds Scarpa, the Brazilian top-flight’s top assist provider in 2016 and 2021.
“This, for me, will be very good. I think I’m ready for this adventure. For me, it’s an honour to play in the Premier League. And I’m very happy for this challenge.”
Scarpa, in his own admission, already speaks ‘very good English’. Something that should only help his adaptation to life in the East Midlands.
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