‘League suits me, I will get better and better’
CAFU CONFIDENT HE HAS RIGHT STYLE TO PLAY IN CHAMPIONSHIP AND EYES HELPING REDS REACH PREMIER
CONFIDENT Cafu believes the best is yet to come from him in a Nottingham Forest shirt as he settles into a league which suits his style.
The midfielder, whose loan from Olympiacos has now been made permanent in a two-and-ahalf-year deal, feels he is well suited to life in the Championship.
And while others may take issue with the frenetic nature of the schedule, he revels in the challenge of playing every few days.
The 27-year-old has made 16 appearances so far for the Reds, and says he always dreamed of a move to English football.
“I think the Championship suits me. It is very good,” he told the Nottingham Post. “It is a very tough league but it is so competitive, which I like very much.
“It is very different to what I have been used to but I am here; I am in the country where I love to play. I am very happy to be here. I have always dreamed of playing in England, in the Championship and the Premier League.
“I think for most players in the world, playing every three days is the best thing. In other countries, like where I played before, in Greece, Poland, and even in France and Portugal, we waited a week to play one game.
“Here, in one week we played three. That is the best thing. I really enjoy it.
“Everybody knows the Championship is like that. Personally, I prefer to play three days by three days. It is our life.
“In Portugal, for example, they play four games in one month. We have played eight games in one month. But I think for all players that is the best thing.”
Cafu is especially keen on the cup competitions.
“I used to watch it. I’m a fan of English football,” he added, speaking before his new contract was confirmed. “My favourite league is the Premier League.
“Here, in the Championship, we are one step away from the Premier League.
“Everyone can always see how tough it is when Championship teams play Premier League teams in the cup - it’s always tough for them; even when they play League One or League Two teams.”
The Portuguese has been required to play a number of different roles since he made the move to the City Ground last October.
Signed on international transfer deadline day, just before Sabri Lamouchi departed, he has gone on to become a regular under his successor, Chris Hughton.
Cafu says his preferred position is as a number eight but he is comfortable as a 10. The arrival of Filip Krovinovic, on loan from Benfica, and injury problems mean it is the deeper role he is likely to take up for the time being, just as he did in the 2-1 win over Coventry City on Tuesday night.
Adding goals to his game is something he is determined to do, having yet to find the back of the net for the Reds.
“Of course I can improve,” said Cafu. “Game by game, I think I will get better. I will try to go forward with Nottingham Forest.
“I always think I can do better. “I enjoy it a lot, because I think English football is my football. It is the best football that I like.
“I try to enjoy it, but also, because of the coronavirus, we haven’t been able to see our supporters, which is a little bit frustrating. That is difficult.”