Now we can officially refer to Jhon Arias as a ‘former Wolves midfielder’. The Colombian has touched down in Brazil and completed his first press conference as a Palmeiras player, after what he has described as a difficult six months at Molineux.
It was a high-profile arrival. He landed in São Paulo on Friday afternoon with his family and was directly subject to a photoshoot for his new club – all still inside the airport, wearing the Palmeiras shirt. He was shielded from fans and media, no questions asked, and taken directly to the club’s training ground.
The 28-year-old was then unveiled following his departure from Wolves, and spoke candidly about why the move to the Premier League did not work out as planned. The conference was streamed by Globo Esporte.
Why it didn’t work at Wolves
Jhon Arias whilst at Fluminense
Jhon Arias whilst at Fluminense
Arias arrived at Wolves in July but has struggled to make an impact during a turbulent campaign that sees the club close to relegation. He managed just one goal in his appearances – a record he made sure to contextualise.
“It’s a different context. The team’s top scorer in the Premier League has two goals – I scored one,” Arias said. “Unfortunately it was a poor season collectively speaking. When you have a poor season, it’s almost impossible to have a good individual performance. I have responsibility as well.”
The midfielder admitted his arrival at Wolves coincided with difficult circumstances at the club. “Unfortunately my arrival coincided with an environment that wasn’t ideal,” he said. “It served as a learning experience. It’s also a foundation to try to do different things.”
How the Palmeiras move came about
Palmeiras
Arias revealed details of how his transfer back to Brazil materialised, explaining that Palmeiras had been in contact for several weeks before an agreement was reached.
“We had first contact several weeks ago – Palmeiras asked about my conditions,” he said. “It was a negotiation that was very respectful on Palmeiras’ part. They always respected what I felt. We raised this negotiation, the Wolverhampton situation conditioned the negotiation.”
He explained the thought process behind his decision to leave English football. “We spoke with my family about what was best for my career because I have medium and short-term objectives,” Arias added. “We understood that the best thing was to return to Brazil. Everyone knows what happened and I’m here today.”
No regrets over European move
Despite the disappointing spell at Wolves, Arias insists he remains satisfied with having fulfilled his ambition to play in Europe. He pointed out that few South American players move to European football at his age and for the transfer fee involved.
“Really, I’m very happy to have fulfilled that dream,” he said. “Sometimes people underestimate it – it’s not easy to arrive in Europe at the age and values I arrived at. Very few players leave at that age for Europe. I’m calm about that part.”
The Colombian described his time in England as a valuable learning experience, even if results did not go as hoped. “It was a somewhat different context, a difficult season there for the club in general, but I’m calm, happy,” he said. “I think it was six months of very good learning and it will serve the rest of my career. I return more mature.”
What the Premier League taught him
Arias reflected on what the demanding English top flight taught him during his brief spell at Wolves.
“It’s a league that demands a lot mentally and physically,” he explained. “It helped me to have better awareness, to arrive better prepared as well. These six months prepared me as a player, as a person, to be a bit stronger, more aware.”
The midfielder believes his European experience has changed his perspective on football. “This experience makes you look at football differently, observing small details,” he said. “I want to continue learning here at Palmeiras. I still have a lot to learn, without forgetting everything I learned in Europe.”
Arias was also asked whether he considers his European dream complete or if he might return one day. “I think what’s interesting about life is having dreams and fulfilling them,” he responded. “Palmeiras provides everything for you to dream big. One of my motivations for coming is what Palmeiras provides as a club.”
He concluded with a message of self-belief despite the setback at Wolves. “I’m the same Jhon Arias,” he said. “We evolve every day, we mature, we grow. I think Palmeiras are signing me because they know the player I am.”
So finally Arias has returned to Brazilian football with Palmeiras, one of the country’s biggest clubs, where he will hope to rediscover the form that earned him the move to Wolverhampton in the first place. He’ll wear the number 11.
His departure leaves Wolves short of options in midfield as they continue to fight relegation under Rob Edwards.