Aitor Karanka: 'History drew me to Nottingham Forest'

Nottingham Forest manager Aitor Karanka has revealed that the club's history is what convinced him to take the job.

The former Middlesbrough boss rejected the notion that returning to manage in the Championship was a step backwards in his career, insisting that the two-time European Cup winners' past success was a big draw.

"Coming back to this league may have looked like a step back, but for me this is a step forward because it's not a normal club," Karanka told The Telegraph.

"When you're not here, you know about the history but to actually go into the boardroom and see the two European Cups, you realise it's huge.

"The history is a motivation, every time I wear the two stars I am representing Nottingham Forest. It's a privilege and I cannot understand a big club without pressure."

Karanka has been in charge at the City Ground since January and, after a difficult start, has guided the club on a run of one defeat in eight matches.

Forest are currently 17th in the Championship.