Vitor Pereira reveals what Mario Lemina told him before leaving Wolves in ‘honest’ chat

Vitor Pereira has now spoken for the first time since Mario Lemina completed his transfer to Galatasaray on Wednesday evening.

The midfielder’s exit from Wolves was inevitable. After Lemina refused to play against Newcastle, the Gabon international burned bridges with the fans.

It became clear that, after this incident, he was never going to repair his relationship with the supporters or squeeze back into Vitor Pereira’s plans.

Lemina completed his £2.5 million transfer to Galatasaray this week, ending his two-year stay at Molineux.

Surprisingly, Wolves were willing to reintegrate Lemina into the squad before he joined the Turkish giants, although Pereira has now explained his reason for leaving.

• READ MORE: How Mario Lemina really acted in final days at Wolves amid fallout as Galatasaray transfer is confirmed

Vitor Pereira explains why Mario Lemina wanted to leave Wolves

Wolves fans would have been angry if the 31-year-old ever pulled on their club’s jersey again this season. He alienated the fanbase when he refused to step onto the pitch in their time of need and playing him would have only resulted in boos.

Speaking in his press conference ahead of Wolves FA Cup clash against Blackburn, Pereira was asked about Lemina and the 56-year-old shared how he had an ‘honest’ chat with the midfielder.

“He told me he wanted to leave and I didn’t feel the commitment. When this happens it’s better to finish the relationship. He was honest with me and I prefer that. You must ask him (for the reason why),” Pereira said via Liam Keen on X.

Lemina not feeling the commitment from the club was bizarre considering they were always there for him through the hard times, and he didn’t repay the favour last month.

Luckily, now that he’s been removed from the wage bill, there’s one less bad egg in the Wolves squad that could derail their chances of survival.

Marshall Munetsi is a huge upgrade on Lemina

Wolves swooped to sign Marshall Munetsi on deadline day and the Zimbabwe international looks an instant upgrade on Lemina.

Primarily a defensive midfielder who likes to break up play and win tackles, the 28-year-old is also proficient in front of goal, as demonstrated by his statistics at Stade Reims.

• READ MORE: Who is Marshall Munetsi? Meet the Wolves deadline day target who was once recognised by FIFA

Munesti’s goal record is similar to Ruben Neves’ at Wolves, the Portuguese midfield maestro who became arguably one of their greatest players of the modern era.

Pereira’s new signing will be looking to instantly prove he’s better than Lemina and hit the ground running with all-action displays.