Exclusive interview: Rodrigo Gomes on life at Wolves and footballing ambitions

Rodrigo Gomes was a player – like many others – who Wolves began scouting early.

They cast their eye on the winger for the first time in May 2020 in an under-17 international fixture against Germany and, by the time he made his Braga debut in October that same year, Gomes was a player Wolves were watching carefully.

Scouting intensified over the years and by the time Gomes was impressing on loan at Estoril last season, Wolves were determined to sign him.

The 21-year-old managed nine goals and eight assists across 36 games in all competitions and Wolves swooped early to secure his signature in a £12.7million move on June 12.

Goncalo Guedes is a perfect example of a player who never truly wanted to come to Wolves and, to no surprise, the move did not work out.

On this occasion, Gomes wanted Wolves and perhaps just as important, was Wolves’ desire to sign Gomes.

“That’s a really important thing for me and Wolves had interest in me,” Gomes told the Express & Star.

“This is a good thing for me to come here, feeling like Wolves, the gaffer and the staff wants me. It’s really good.

“It’s a big move, a new chapter.

“I will do everything and train every day to give an answer and enjoy every day, getting better every day.

“I’m always like this, enjoying life and this moment of my life.

“It’s a dream come true playing for Wolves and in the Premier League, which for me is the best league in the world.

“I’m enjoying it all the time. Always laughing and always with a smile on my face.”

Wolves were not alone in their pursuit of Gomes, however, with Spanish side Atletico Madrid keen on the Portuguese attacker.

Having courted Gomes for some time and made their intentions known, Atletico’s interest sparked Wolves into action and they quickly made the deal.

But the player maintains he only wanted one club.

“Madrid wanted me but I always preferred Wolves,” he added.

“There was interest from other clubs but I was never close to signing for anyone, just for Wolves.

“It’s the best league in the world and Wolves have a good history with Portuguese players.

“I followed Wolves because of these Portuguese players and I really liked the club after watching a lot of the games in the Premier League. They wanted me and it was a perfect combination.

“Almost every player (in Portugal) watches Wolves because of the Portuguese players.

“Ruben Neves, Joao Moutinho, Pedro Neto, Jose Sa, Rui Patricio as well, there are so many Portuguese players from our national team, top players.

“It’s normal for our young players to watch the games.”

With attention comes comparisons and Gomes is already being compared to Wolves star Pedro Neto.

With similar statures and playing in the same position, the similarities do not end there.

They both came through at Braga and grew up in areas just 35 minutes apart and with Neto three years older he acted as an inspiration to Gomes’ rise.

“Pedro is from Braga and I grew up in Braga,” Gomes said.

“When Pedro came to Wolves I followed him a lot because he’s from Braga, the same position as me and I like his style of play.

“I saw him and tried to learn from the things he did on the pitch. I was always inspired.

“For me, yes (I want him to stay at Wolves), because then I can learn from him more closely as a team-mate and because he’s a top player who will help us a lot.”

On the pitch, it is easy to see why Gomes has been compared to Neto.

The winger is direct, tricky, quick, aggressive and has an eye for a cross or a goal.

Last season he played on both flanks, but was often used on the right as either a right-wing-back or right winger.

So far in pre-season training Gomes has been playing on the left, with Gary O’Neil preferring his inverted wide players, allowing Gomes to cut inside on his strong right foot.

However, the speedy attacker has also shown a willingness to sprint down the outside of defenders and race to the byline.

“I’m a footballer who gives everything in the game, always trying to help the team,” the new signing added.

“I run a lot, press a lot and try to make goals and assists.

“Last season I played in a lot of positions. In a back five I played as a wing-back on the right and the left but I don’t have a big preference.

“I do like to play on the wing, maybe more on the left because I can go inside, but I like playing on the right too.

“Wherever the gaffer puts me I will play there and do everything for Wolves.”

Having now made his dream move, Gomes is also dreaming of his first Premier League game and goal as he looks to make the step up from Portuguese football.

For now he is focusing on pre-season and getting ready for that big step up, but he also has another milestone in his sights and hopes to follow in the footsteps of other Portuguese stars.

He said: “The Portuguese national team is a dream for everyone but I have to take it step by step.

“Now I am focused on Wolves, I want to do my job well and train every day to the maximum to improve myself.”

After securing his move to Wolves, Gomes had time to find a new home in Wolverhampton and move his family in before heading off to pre-season in Marbella.

He describes the people at the club and in the city as ‘amazing’ for the way they welcomed him.

And as the Express & Star’s exclusive interview with the attacker comes to an end, he has one final message for the Wolves fans.

“Thank you for the way you have received me and for a lot of messages of support,” he said.

“I really appreciate that because it’s really good for me.

“I will do everything on the pitch for Wolves to achieve the win and give you happiness.”