Sabri Lamouchi has opened his heart on his love for Nottingham Forest as he spoke of his shock at being sacked by the Reds.
In a wide-ranging interview with the Athletic, Lamouchi says he did not expect to be dismissed just months after leading the club to the brink of the Championship play-offs.
Forest had looked odds on to clinch a top-six finish but fell apart on the final day of the 2019/20 season as they lost at home to Stoke which meant missing out on a chance at winning promotion to the Premier League.
The Reds had high hopes of pushing on in the following campaign but a disastrous start led to Lamouchi's sacking in October 2020 and was subsequently replaced by Chris Hughton.
"It was tough for me," Lamouchi told the Athletic.
"I did not expect to be sacked when I was. I did not expect to feel like I did. I did not expect to feel those emotions. It hurt."
Lamouchi went on to speak of his love for Forest and said he had fallen in love with the club and that he was a "lucky man" to have been given the chance to manage the two-time European champions.
Forest fans have been quick to respond to Lamouchi's heartfelt interview and here's what they had to say on Twitter.
James Tumilty: "Guy just oozes class. Wish him all the best."
Shaun: "And we loved you Sabri. Still do."
Debs: "What a guy! I wish him every success for the future."
Clown Assassin: "A true love affair."
Conner Storer-Fry: "Love him."
Reiss NFFC: "Various factors contributed to his downfall, himself included in that but for making people believe again, whether in some’s eyes that was by hook or crook, I will always have a soft spot & respect for the man. Of all the manager’s we’ve had, he is 100% 1 of the good guys."
Jay Cluroe: "I miss him."
