Nuno expresses thanks to Wolves fans following final game in charge at Molineux
Nuno Espirito Santo has bid his final farewell to Wolves fans and insists he is thankful for their support as he departs as manager.
After four seasons in charge the 47-year-old bowed out as boss and watched his side fall to a 2-1 defeat at home to Manchester United as the 2020/21 campaign came to a close.
But the football on show was largely secondary for supporters as 4,500 of them, returning to Molineux for the first time in 442 days, showed their appreciation for the man who lifted them out of the Championship and into Europe.
Now, Nuno has thanked those very fans for their adulation in his final press conference as manager.
He said: “It’s emotional for all of us since we arrived at the stadium. The fans, the way they were together, it’s a special for all of us.
“A day of joy, looking back and seeing that we had special moments together. Very, very special moments that will stay forever in our memories.
“I am very thankful to the fans.”
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Wolves eventually finished 13th in the Premier League in what has been a testing season full of set-backs - with many key players suffering injuries.
But Nuno insists he is ‘proud’ of his side for tackling the challenge head on.
He added: “It’s not frustrating when you look back. It was a very tough season but the way the players have worked and reacted to all the circumstances that unfortunately we had.
“I only feel proud of the mission that we did together. More importantly, now football is back.
“This is the first day at Molineux of the football that we love. We have to look and smile to the future.”
Raul Jimenez returned to the Molineux turf against United and joined his team-mates for the warm-up ahead of the clash.
He did not make the squad as he continues to recover from his fractured skull injury he picked up in November.
But his presence with the team was important, Nuno says, as he aims to play an important part next season.
“After the meeting that he had with the specialist it was decided he would join full competition for the beginning of next season,” Nuno said.
“He was OK. He was not on the teamsheet but we decided for him to be on the pitch, touch the ball and feel the atmosphere of Molineux again.
“And the fans seeing a player that they love.
“The more important thing is that we know he is going to compete again. He’s going to play football.
“He is the one that is really anxious to do it. Raul is back, it’s very good.”
