As he headed off the Selhurst Park pitch, Renan Lodi turned and gave one last wave to the Nottingham Forest fans.
He had already donated most of his kit to supporters in the crowd and had spent an extra moment in front of the away end, as well as being on the receiving end of a hug from owner Evangelos Marinakis. A final farewell?
The Instagram message the Brazilian went on to post afterwards certainly hinted as such. Lodi talked about it being his “last game with this special club”.
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Head coach Steve Cooper was giving little away about the defender’s future when quizzed in his post-match press conference. But at least trying to get him back must be on the agenda.
It will partly depend, of course, on Lodi’s personal circumstances. He has spoken about the “sacrifices” he made to switch to the City Ground on loan from Atletico Madrid, the challenges of adapting to a new country and a new league, and then of being away from his newborn son.
It will partly depend, too, on how much the Reds would have to pay. In a crucial transfer window, it is important they do smart business.
The fitness of Omar Richards may also be a factor. He is yet to make his debut after joining from Bayern Munich almost 12 months ago, due to being sidelined with a hairline fracture of the leg.
Harry Toffolo is also under contract. Forest want options in every position, but it’s doubtful they would want three left-backs - if Richards is in contention for the new season.
Lodi is still worth trying for, though. After a rocky start, he developed into a key player and a consistent performer. He bought into the club and was well-liked among the dressing room.
If the Reds are able to get him back, it would also help with keeping together the crux of the side which finished the campaign strongly. There won’t be a mass overhaul of the dressing room this year, but either way, retaining as much of the group as possible can only help as Cooper tries to build on the platform Forest have given themselves.
“We should just talk about what Renan has given us,” Cooper said after the final-day draw at Crystal Palace. “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.”
Lodi has given a lot. Whatever happens, his will be some considerable boots to fill. Forest would certainly benefit if it is the Brazilian who steps back into them come August.
Would you like to see Lodi back at the City Ground? Have your say in the comments below
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