'I owe everything to this man' - Nottingham Forest captain Ryan Yates visibly emotional during post-match interview with Martin O'Neill

Nottingham Forest captain Ryan Yates took part in one of the most wholesome post-match interviews of the season after bumping into former manager Martin O'Neill.

Back in February 2019, Yates was handed his league debut by then-Forest manager O'Neill, who was impressed by his enthusiasm and "fantastic attitude" following loan spells at Notts County and Scunthorpe.

At the time, there were a number of clubs interested in Yates' signature but the former Republic of Ireland manager was convinced by his talent.

"I wanted him to hang around," he said in 2019. "I felt he would learn something here."

After taking his chance in that Championship clash against Brentford, the midfielder has gone on to become a first-team regular at the City Ground, making over 200 appearances across an eight-year period.

On Friday night, he was once again selected for the Reds; this time in their Premier League clash against Leicester City. In fact, he found himself on the scoresheet as Forest climbed up to fifth with a well-earned 3-1 win.

After the full-time whistle, Yates took part in an interview with SuperSport TV and their punditry team of Dion Dublin, Wes Morgan and, you guessed it, Martin O'Neill.

O'Neill was delighted to see his former player. "Hello young man," he beamed. "It's great to see you. It's really, really great."

The presenter then brought up Yates' league debut in 2019. "I owe everything to this man," said the midfielder.

Lovely interaction between Martin O'Neill and Ryan Yates #NFFC

📽️ - @SuperSportTV pic.twitter.com/kge6v8qTOZ

— 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗺 𝗥𝗼𝗼𝗺 (@forestfilmroom) October 25, 2024

As you can see from the footage above, O'Neill would then go on to praise Yates for his journey.

“Listen, I’ve got to tell you, Yatesy was out on loan at the time, trying to get some games. And you were the best trainer we had,” he said.

“Honestly, and you deserve all the credit in the world. You really have done fantastic, really great, and considering a couple of things about it. Number one: I told the lads here, you are the top five in the country of getting free kicks for yourself. You’re still magical about that. Absolutely, no question.

“But you’ve got the heart the size of a lion. Honestly, it’s really great, great for the family, and great for you."

Here's how fans on social media reacted to the post-match interview.

One said: "This is actually beautiful. Naturally," and another commented: "A lad who came through the youth ranks and eventually became a first team regular for his club is what all young kids at football academies aspire for."

A third wrote: "Martin would make you feel 10000x taller, wider, faster. Run through a brick wall for a manager like him."

A fourth said: "This is enough to make anyone well up," and a fifth added: "Brilliant to see Yatesy get some credit over the last few weeks, there's a reason he's kept a spot in the squad through all the different managers over the years, and it's purely grit, determination and passion for the club. Love it."