Callum Hudson-Odoi shares his thoughts after returning to action for Nottingham Forest after four months out.
Callum Hudson-Odoi made his long-awaited return to the pitch for Nottingham Forest.
He featured in the Reds’ first of two 45-minute matches in the Friuli Venezia Giulia Cup, against hosts Udinese.
You could tell that he had been out for some time, but glimpses of his quality shined through in Udine.
Speaking to Nottingham Forest Roundtable after the match, Hudson-Odoi reflected on the “long journey” which led to his return in Italy.
“Yeah it’s been a long journey,” he admitted, “I think for myself, personally, it’s been a bit tough.
“I think I was looking at the summer coming up and then I’m just in the training ground, alone, just trying to get back fit and working hard.
“So it’s been a long four months coming, but I’m really happy to be back out there with the boys.
“It’s the most important thing; getting fit, getting match fit and trying my best out there is the best thing that I can do.
“I’m really happy to be back, I enjoyed being out there today in the first 45-minute game, so hopefully many more things to come throughout the season.”
The whole squad will be looking forward to getting back in front of the fans at the City Ground next week, in friendlies against Bayer Leverkusen and Stade Brestois, but none more so than Hudson-Odoi.
He has not featured at the City Ground since 16 April, and admitted that he cannot wait to get back out in front of the Forest faithful.
“It’s been a long time, a very long time, so I can’t wait to just go back out there and see the fans again,” he shared.
“Hopefully I’ll be feeling much better again once another couple of games have come along at the City Ground, so yeah, I’m definitely excited for it and can’t wait to see them and to give them the same energy they give us.”
Forest’s final two pre-season games are both at the City Ground next week.
They will first take on German side Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday, 12 August, before welcoming Ligue 1 outfit Stade Brestois on Sunday, 16 August.
These games will conclude the Reds’ pre-season, ahead of their opening Premier League match-up, at home to Leeds United on Saturday, 22 August.
