Wolves legend Ruben Neves has shared with Portuguese media that he remains in contact with three players from Molineux, and hopes to return one day.
After losing a host of key players in the summer, not many would have predicted that Wolves would be in with a good chance of securing European football with 12 games to go of the 2023/24 campaign.
When Gary O’Neil took charge just five days prior to the start of the Premier League season, the Old Gold were poised to bid farewell to cult heroes of the Nuno Espirito Santo era such as Ruben Neves, Raul Jimenez and Joao Moutinho.
Losing the trio that had created so many incredible memories was difficult for the club, who had no room to manoeuvre a search for their replacements due to FFP restrictions, however, O’Neil seems to be doing just fine.
Almost eight months after his move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, Neves has spoken to the media about his wishes to return to Molineux, this time, as a fan.
What Ruben Neves has said about Wolves
In an interview with Portuguese outlet O Jogo, relayed by Sport Witness, the 26-year-old reminisced on his time in Wolverhampton.
“I think I did a good job at Wolverhampton. It was six very good and happy years. I have enormous affection for the club, which is the one I have followed most since I came here.”
“I had a lot of affection for the players, for the people who work there, for the city…I often tell my wife that, if I have a longer break, I want to go back there to feel the stadium and the people. I was very loved.”
Neves was a pioneer in Wolves’ march back to the Premier League under Nuno in the 2017/18 season and made a total of 253 appearances for the club, scoring 30 goals and recording 13 assists.
While it was a great shame for the Old Gold to bid farewell to their magnificent midfielder, the move was somewhat anticipated as his performances seemed to blossom season upon season.
What Ruben Neves said about Wolves this season
Despite now being far away in the Middle East representing Al-Hilal, the Portugal international admitted that he is still firmly in touch with things happening at Molineux.
Neves explained that he remains in contact with three of his friends currently in O’Neil’s squad, as well as revealing that he eagerly keeps up with Wolves’ results and games in the Premier League.
“Pedro Neto is one of the people I talk to the most. I have a lot of contact with him. Him, Nélson Semedo, José Sá. They’re friends we don’t lose.”
“I follow almost every Wolves game and I’m very happy with what they’ve been doing.”
After losing players as influential as Neves, not many would have anticipated that the new wave of the Old Gold’s midfield would be able to carry the baton so strongly after being passed the responsibility.
As O’Neil continues to impress and put his stamp on Molineux, it’s a warming feeling to know that one of the club’s modern legends is enjoying the progression from afar.