Head coach Steve Cooper has expressed his admiration for Renan Lodi, but has remained coy on the Nottingham Forest loanee’s future.
After taking a little while to get to grips with the Premier League, Lodi developed into a key player and consistent performer for the Reds. He made 32 appearances and scored one goal across all competitions as survival was secured.
The on-loan Atletico Madrid defender recently opened up about the “sacrifices” he had made and the challenges he had faced along the way. They included spending time away from his newborn son as he quickly returned to the City Ground from Brazil following his birth, in order to play his part in the run-in.
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His season ended slightly sooner than he perhaps would have liked, making way at half-time of Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace due to a groin injury. Lodi then spent an extra moment with the travelling fans after the final whistle and donated most of his kit to supporters in the crowd - many of whom would love him to return for next season.
An emotional Instagram message hinted it was a final farewell. And Cooper has given little away about the chances of linking up with the left-back again.
“We should just talk about what Renan has given us,” Cooper said after the final-day draw. “Even today, he has played the first half with a groin strain and had to come off at half-time.
“Renan has gone through an emotional time with the birth of his son during the international break and only seeing him for a couple of days. It’s his story to tell, but I know he did let people know.
“For him to show the focus and the commitment he has, with not seeing his newborn… As a father myself, I would have found that incredibly tough. In fact, I don’t know if I could have done it.
“For him to do what he’s done, and give the club what he’s given, I’m just really proud to have worked with him. It just shows how much this club can get people to buy into it, because it’s so special.
“I’ve got a lot of admiration for Renan forever. But now is not the time to be talking about what may be next, now is the time to reflect on the game and the season.”
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