Full-back Ola Aina has joined Premier League side Nottingham Forest on a one-year deal.
Aina left Torino as a free Agent after the parties failed to reach an agreement for new deal.
The defender made 24 appearances for Torino last season, scoring two goals and providing one assist.
He began his professional career at Chelsea, but struggled to break into the first team and was loaned out to several clubs, including Hull City and Torino, before making a permanent move to the Italian club
in 2019.
Now, he returns to England with Nottingham Forest, where he will hope to make a bigger impact than he did on loan at Fulham.
“I’m very excited to be here and I can’t wait to get started,” the 26 year-old said in his first interview as a Forest Player.
“I wanted to be back on English soil again and Forest is a club which has an exciting project and team.
“The manager as well, what he wants from the team is something which I want to buy into. He’s told me it’s a family club, he’s told me we have a great bunch of players and he’s told me I’ll enjoy it here.”
“It’s exciting to be back playing in the Premier League. It’s the best league in the world and I always want to challenge myself.
“I know some of the boys well already which is good for me, but I’m excited to meet the rest of my teammates and get to know everyone.
“I saw Forest in action last season and the fans are as loud as can be throughout the whole game, which is something I’m relishing and can’t wait to experience. I can’t wait for it.”
The signing of Aina will provide Forest with valuable experience and depth in the right-back position, and his versatility could also see him feature in other defensive positions if needed, something Manager Steve Cooper also admits.
“We’re really pleased that Ola has joined us.
“He’s a versatile player who has good experience of the Premier League and Serie A. He’s a really good player, but a good athlete as well.
Ola Aina greeted by Serge Aurier. Photo | nottinghamforest
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