It’s been almost two years since Ruben Neves emotionally bid farewell to Wolves.
Some are still recovering from seeing the former Wolves captain depart, as Neves joined Al-Hilal for £47m in the 2023 summer transfer window.
Though the Portugal international is thousands of miles from Molineux, there will always be a piece of the midfielder in the West Midlands as a result of his commitment and impact during his time at the club.
Neves returned to Molineux in November to watch the Old Gold’s win over Southampton, giving fans the opportunity to serenade their former hero one more time.
Photo by Jack Thomas - WWFC/Wolves via Getty Images
Photo by Jack Thomas – WWFC/Wolves via Getty Images
Ruben Neves’ remarkable claim about Adama Traore
Neves was so special to Wolves, not only due to his quality but for his leadership skills and the memories he gave to supporters.
The midfielder was a key part of Wolves’ Europa League squad under Nuno Espirito Santo, playing alongside some of the club’s modern-day greats, many of which are still in the Premier League.
It was only weeks ago that Wolves faced some familiar faces against Fulham, with Adama Traore and Raul Jimenez returning to Molineux.
Traore punished his former club by carving out the match-winner for Rodrigo Muniz, rolling back the years as the powerhouse ran riot in the wide areas.
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In 2019, Neves spent time talking about his former teammate, where he revealed something quite exceptional about himself and Traore.
“He [Traore] doesn’t work too much in the gym,” Neves told Soccer AM.
“I don’t know how he has that, it’s crazy. I work more than him in the gym, Adama is unbelievable.”
The ex-Wolves captain made it known that he took pride in working harder than Traore in an area that is difficult to believe – in the gym.
Given the Spaniard’s stature in comparison to Neves, the Portugal international could be accused of lying when he made the statement six years ago, with Traore one of the Premier League’s strongest to this day.
What Neves has said about returning to Wolves
Many were puzzled by Neves’ decision to trade the Premier League for the Saudi Pro League but, such has worked for the 27-year-old.
Naturally, fans are wondering if a return to Molineux could be on the cards for the former skipper in the future, a question that was put to the superstar on his return to the West Midlands.
Club Apps Goals Assists
FC Porto 93 4 3
Wolves 253 30 13
Al-Hilal 74 8 20
Ruben Neves’ domestic career
When Neves was asked about returning to Wolves one day, the midfielder said:
“I don’t like to speak about that because life changes a lot. Of course, this is a special home for me and a special home for my family, so Wolves will always be in our minds and there will always be a chance.
“But I don’t want to create expectations to anyone, because we know how football is, we don’t know what will even happen tomorrow. But for sure, it’s an open door for me. I believe that if I can choose, Wolves will always be one of the options, for sure – but I don’t know what can happen.”
For now, Neves is loving life in Saudi Arabia, where he’s contributed to 28 goals in 74 appearances for Al-Hilal following his 2023 transfer.