Nottingham Forest manager Vitor Pereira is relishing the opportunity to lead the club into their fourth European semi-final, a moment he describes as deeply special for both the team and its supporters.

"When I was growing up, I remember Forest being one of the strongest teams in Europe," Pereira told BBC Radio Nottingham. "To now be the one guiding them into a European semi-final is a feeling that makes people proud."

The Reds face Aston Villa in the first leg of the Europa League semi-final, a clash Pereira acknowledges is the biggest night in the club's history for an entire generation of fans.

"We have a chance to write our names into the history of this club," he said. "But I don't think about doing it for myself. I think about our supporters. A lot of them don't really have the money to buy tickets, but they do it through sacrifice to come and support us."

Pereira, who is no stranger to pressure after a storied career, emphasized that his motivation goes beyond personal accolades. "I'm not at a stage of my career where I need titles to satisfy myself," he explained. "But it is, of course, an honour to be here and to compete for titles."

Drawing inspiration from the club's legendary past, Pereira referenced Brian Clough, the iconic manager who led Forest to back-to-back European Cup triumphs in 1979 and 1980. "This week, I went into the city and saw a big statue of Brian Clough," Pereira recalled. "He makes people feel proud. It's important to go back in time and understand how big the club is."

For fans wearing the famous red shirt, this semi-final represents more than just a match—it's a chance to reconnect with a glorious heritage while forging a new chapter. As Pereira put it, "We have the opportunity to make history, and that's what drives us forward."