Shropshire Star

Ruben Neves interview: On life in Saudi, his Wolves return and the club's current struggles

As a club steeped in history, Wolves are fortunate to have an array of club legends.

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From Billy Wright and Stan Cullis to John Richards and Steve Bull, the list of heroes is long.

The debate of whether he falls into legendary status is for another day, but Ruben Neves is without a doubt a modern Wolves great.

The Portuguese midfielder represents the most successful period of Wolves' modern history and on his return to Molineux at the weekend to watch the club's win over Southampton, he was given a hero's welcome.

Express & Star Wolves reporter Liam Keen sits down with former Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves
Express & Star Wolves reporter Liam Keen sits down with former Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves

Neves greeted supporters on his way into the stadium, was reunited with players and staff before the game and then took to the pitch at half-time.

Throughout the fixture his song, that rung around Molineux during his six years at the club, was sang at full volume for a player that is held in such high regard.

"It was amazing," Neves said of the supporters' reaction to him, in a sit down interview with the Express & Star.

"The reaction from everyone when I came was fantastic and after that first season I think that helps a lot because we did a fantastic Championship season.

"I think that was the moment that the people realised that we came here in that time, not only me but a lot of other players came here, to put the club in the highest level and that's what we tried to do.

Ruben Neves (Photo by Jack Thomas - WWFC/Wolves via Getty Images)
Ruben Neves (Photo by Jack Thomas - WWFC/Wolves via Getty Images)

"We played in Europe, so it was fantastic and that's why I think we have this relationship with the fans because they know how hard we worked to put the team where we arrived.

"We were planning to come here for a long time but of course the schedule is difficult. We play a lot in Saudi but now I had the opportunity to come and of course it's very nice to see all the people around the stadium, around the city as well.