Pedro Neto 'proud' to live Premier League dream with Wolves

Neto signed for Wolves last summer, and has become an important part of Nuno's squad, making 35 appearances for the club before football's suspension due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The 20-year-old has quickly adapted to English football, and admits he's realised a dream in doing so.

“English football is the most captivating in the world. It was my dream as a child." he said.

“At that time, I watched Cristiano Ronaldo's games on television, which was my reference, for Manchester United and I thought I would also like to play in that fabulous league. He’s on a different level. I try to copy him.

“If we want to be the best, we must copy those who already are. I always did extra physical work, but now I do it more completely after setting up home gym.

“I am proud to be here. I have always worked for this dream.

“I work to be the best. My success is due to my effort, the help of all my teammates and the work of all the coaching staff at Wolverhampton.

“I tried to adapt quickly to the team's way of playing and the physical football of the Premier League. It involves many back and forths, and that is one of my characteristics. I am a counter-attacking player and I fitted well on the team’s style of play. I feel really good at this moment.

“But everything depends on the game; if I have to dribble, I do it, if I have to pass the ball, I pass it. Against Tottenham [where Pedro beat three men down the right-hand side], we were winning and I decided to take a risk, going for the dribble. It resulted in a beautiful play.”

The Portuguese youngster has netted four times for Wolves, including in their final game before lockdown was implemented, in Athens against Olympiacos.

He hailed each strike as 'unforgettable' since joining the club - but also credited Wolves' teamwork as the trademark behind the club's current position in the top flight.

“Apart from when I scored against Watford, in a game we lost, they are all unforgettable.

“On my debut, I contributed to a rout over Pyunik in the Europa League. I started a comeback against Southampton and scored again in a game against Olympiacos.

“Wolverhampton was also losing that game and left Greece with a draw, so that result was very important.

“We are very proud of our position in the table and believe that we can do better. We always think that way. We have the ability to do great things.

“They say here that we are the ‘hard- work’ team. That is our trademark – hard work and unity.

“A lot is said about the coach, but the team does not think about it. He is very good. We have a great deal of trust in the manager, just as he trusts us a lot. We are only focused on the work.”

Of course, Neto is just one of a collection of players at the club hailing from Portugal, joining the likes of Diogo Jota, Joao Moutinho, Ruben Neves and Rui Patricio.

He believes that his arrival at the club was eased, having been warmly welcomed into the Black Country alongside his compatriots.

“Wolverhampton has many Portuguese players; Diogo Jota, Joao Moutinho, Ruben Neves and Rui Patricio helped a lot. Then I encountered Vinagre again – we are friends from the youth national teams.

“But the group is very close. I was welcomed in a spectacular way. The coach told me to work well and be calm because the opportunities would arise.

“Joao has great intelligence, Ruben has shooting ability and tactical prowess, and Raul Jimenez has ability to score goals.

“We are having a great season and it is only possible because the team has, in fact, a lot of quality.”