Cuiabano explains why Nottingham Forest move did not work out

Cuiabano has opened up on why his move to Nottingham Forest failed to take off, admitting timing and adaptation played decisive roles in his decision to return to Brazil.

The left-back was officially unveiled this week as a new Vasco da Gama player, and in a press conference relayed by Globo Esporte, he reflected calmly on his brief spell in England. There was no frustration in his tone, only realism.

Cuiabano joined Forest in September 2025 before returning to Botafogo on loan soon after. By the time he went back to England at the end of that spell, the Premier League season was already well underway.

“What brought me back to Brazil was the project Vasco showed me,” Cuiabano said. “My family and I were very happy with the project. I arrived in the middle of the season there, so it would have been a bit difficult to play at Nottingham Forest.”

The Brazilian suggested the challenge was less about ability and more about circumstance. Arriving mid-season, without a full pre-season to integrate, made breaking into the first team significantly harder.

“Over there it’s mid-season, and I was on holiday,” he added. “Adapting is hard for any Brazilian player. As a left-back, it’s even harder. I felt it was better to come back, play, and be happy.”

Having followed Forest’s squad dynamics this season, competition for places and the physical intensity of the Premier League would have presented immediate hurdles, particularly for a young defender adapting to a new country.

Cuiabano never made a first-team appearance for Nottingham Forest. While he trained with the senior squad and featured at Under-21 level, competitive minutes proved elusive.

That context shaped his decision to prioritise regular football over waiting for an uncertain opportunity. The move to Vasco offers clarity, playing time and a defined role, something he felt was lacking in England at this stage of his career.

However, there is no sense of a door being closed permanently. Cuiabano made it clear that European ambitions remain intact, but he recognised that forcing progression at the wrong moment could stall development.

The loan arrangement allows Forest to retain long-term control while giving the player space to rebuild momentum. For Cuiabano, it represents a strategic recalibration rather than an admission of failure.

It remains too early to assess how his development will unfold from here, but the decision reflects a growing trend among young South American players to prioritise minutes and stability over immediate European exposure.

Cuiabano is expected to feature for Vasco in the Brazilian league in the coming weeks, where consistent game time will be central to his development. Strong performances could reopen the path to Europe under more favourable circumstances.

For Forest, monitoring his progress will determine whether he fits into future plans or becomes part of a different long-term strategy.

Was returning to Brazil the smart move for Cuiabano’s career?