Defender Benito says he turned down Reds
FREE agent defender Loris Benito says he turned down a contract offer from Nottingham Forest after a spell on trial at the club – despite a move to England being his “dream”.
The 29-year-old trained with the Reds earlier this month as they ran the rule over him with a view to looking for cover at left-back.
It is an area where boss Steve Cooper is light on options, with Max Lowe and Jordi Osei-tutu both sidelined with injury, leaving midfielder Jack Colback to step into that position.
Benito says he enjoyed the experience of being at Forest, including watching from the City
Ground stands, but rejected the chance to pen a deal until the end of the season.
“They offered me a contract until the end of the season. I refused,” he told Swiss newspaper Blick.
Asked if he enjoyed his time Trentside, Benito added: “And how! I also went to a home game during this time. Full stadium, 28,000 fans. In the second division. Impressive!”
The Switzerland international remains without a club after his contract with French side Bordeaux was terminated early in August.
Prior to linking up with Forest, he had maintained his fitness by training with former club FC Aarau in his homeland.
And as he targets a place in his country’s squad for next year’s World Cup in Qatar, he is eager to get fixed up with another team soon - not ruling out remaining in England.
“I am also confident that it will work out in January. The circumstances are better there than in summer. There will be more movement in the market,” he said.
“I am longingly waiting for (the right club).”
Asked about a potential return to Switzerland, Benito said: “No. I still have a few years to go abroad. Preferably in the Bundesliga or in England. This is my dream.”