Express & Star

Motown legend Tito Jackson sings Wolves' praises

'We made it. I am so proud of the team and we are only going up from here'.

Published
Last updated

That was the special message to Wolves from Motown legend Tito Jackson who is now an avid fan.

The 64-year-old American, who was once a member of the famous pop group Jackson Five, took time out ahead of his UK tour with the Jacksons to share his thoughts on his favourite football team.

Tito congratulated all the players and manager Nuno Espirito Santo.

His favourite players are Conor Coady and Ruben Neves - the latter who he described as an 'incredible player'.

For Neves' wonder goal against Derby, Tito said he had 'never seen anyone score like that before'.

Wolves will be celebrating with a promotion party on Monday. And as a 'gift' to Wolves fans, Tito will be making his single 'We Made It' available to download for free that day.

Thousands and thousands of fans will descend on the city during the Bank Holiday.

Tito visits Wolverhampton every month or so and last year revealed he was looking to move here.

Tito Jackson with a copy of the Express & Star edition celebrating Wolves winning the Championship

He says Wolverhampton is one of the cities that he really likes, and is one of the places that he can settle down in when he is not so busy - unlike places like London.

The city is also home to his favourite English football team who will be going to the Premier League next year.

Asked who is favourite players are, Tito said: " I like Neves, Ruben Neves. And Conor Coady, he is good too.

"I saw Neves' goal against Derby. Yes that was incredible. I mean he is incredible, he is an incredible player. I hope we hold on to him.

"The goal was incredible because everybody was basically around him and in front of him and he still scored.

"I have never seen nobody do that like that."

One of the reasons Tito is looking forward to playing in the Premier League next season is the rivalry with his eldest brother Jackie - formerly of the Jackson Five and now the Jacksons - who supports Chelsea.

Asked for his thoughts on Wolves playing in England's top flight, Tito said: "You know what I love about it the most? My brother, my oldest brother Jackie (Jackson) loves Chelsea.

"We get to play them next year and I can't get wait for those days and the rivalry.

"I will definitely be following the Wolves next season and every time I'm here I will get to a game.

Tito with a clap-banner and Express & Star newspaper

"We are going to get to a few games next year, especially Chelsea. We will try and go to Chelsea.

"I would love to see that game. Yes because Chelsea is a big time team. They always are on top or close to it."

Do you have a message for the players or manager?

"I would like to tell the the complete team and Nuno that I am very proud of them. My love is with them.

"I am going to get more friends and family into Wolves and I hope they do fantastic next season.

"We are only going to go up from here. No more going down. We are going to go up because we have to whoop Chelsea, Newcastle and Liverpool and all these other teams."

Tito came to the interview wearing his gold and black Wolves scarf and he also owns more club merchandise.

"Yes I have a Wolves jersey and a cloth hat," he said.

"On my jersey I have my name on the back of it. It says Jackson with the number five to represent the Jackson Five."

Tito is planning a trip to the club shop where he wants to have a shop for more clothing.

He is also a big fan of the manager Nuno.

"Oh yes he is a great manager," said Tito.

"I mean he should be kept because he makes the right moves and knows what he is doing.

"The whole team is brilliant together I think. They just have to want it. If you want it bad enough you will get it.

Tito Jackson visits Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. Credit: James Watkins

"I have always been taught. They have got real passion.

"You can see they are playing for the team and each other. That is nice. It is powerful."

As part of a the celebrations and a congratulatory gesture, Tito will be making his single 'We Made It' available for download.

Tito feels the songs name ties in with Wolves promotion success this season.

He said: "One of the reasons I wanted to see the Wolves was because I heard they were good through my friend.

"With my song 'We Made It', I just wanted it to see it played with a good team.

"I didn't know Wolves were going to become champion this year because it was so early in the season.

"But they carried it through. They made it happen. We made it

"My song 'We Made It', it is my gift to the city of Wolverhampton for winning the championship.

"It will be free to download on Monday from 6am until 6am the next day.

"So anybody that wants to download my single they can do.

"The song is definitely suitable for this team because they have definitely worked hard to get in the position that they are in.

"One of the Twitter fan sites have made a video with the team and my song."

Tito is also working on promoting his solo album Tito Time.

He will touring the UK this year with Jacksons. The first gig will take place in Oxford on May 26.

Tito has taken a break ahead of the tour but has been working on promoting his album.

He said: "The solo album is going great. We are just promoting it as well, like we have always done. It is a lot of work always promoting music.

"I am happy that I have a song on my album that represents football, 'We Made It', so I am proud of that."

He added: "I want to say congratulations to the Wolves and the city. And to myself as well. And we made it. And there is nothing that can't take it away. So let's celebrate the winners."