BBC NEWS: As Wolves’ best player “Pedro Neto” gives his reasons for wanting to leave his Job, BBC NEWS
Pedro Neto has waited patiently for these special moments. After two serious knee injuries he was told he may never be the same again but here he is, back with the world at his feet.
Neto is the Wolves magician laying a strong claim to be the Premier League player of the season so far, providing a rush of excitement whenever he picks up the ball.
A thrilling 70-yard burst against Treble winners Manchester City last month underlined his star quality, and he is currently leading on assists alongside Newcastle’s Kieran Trippier (six). While much of the focus has inevitably been on Manchester City’s Erling Haaland and James Maddison at Tottenham, Neto is elevating his game to the highest level.
Now the even better news for Wolves fans, who may have feared that Neto will become the latest player to be sold this season.
Not long before this interview, he made a visit to the office of sporting director Matt Hobbs and informed him that he would not push for a move in January.
Arsenal have been long-term admirers of the Portuguese forward, but Neto wants to put a stop to the noise.
“I want to say that I am here and I will help everyone,” he tells Telegraph Sport. “I love the club and everybody here, I have always felt that it has given a lot to me.
“I’m enjoying the moment here so I will continue to do that. The future and long-term ambitions don’t matter. We will never go down in any situation, we are here to win and fight. I feel really good at the moment and hope to continue.”
Wolves do not have any plans to sell Neto this season either, and his brilliance has removed the gloom of a worrying summer.
Head coach Julen Lopetegui departed in frustration amid a fire sale of players to avoid the risk of breaking financial rules.
With so many stars leaving, including Ruben Neves, Raul Jimenez, Matheus Nunes and Conor Coady, Wolves needed inspiration and Neto is delivering for new manager Gary O’Neil.
Every time he takes the ball near the halfway line, preparing to attack the opposition full-back, there is a buzz of excitement.
I feel even better than I was before. A player that has confidence is a different player: I always had it but Gary has given me even more,” he says.
“I play football because I love it, but the game is what it is because of the fans. When I get the ball and they are pushing me and expecting something special, it’s such a good feeling.”
Direct, quick and capable of playing with either foot on both flanks, Neto has that wonderful unpredictability which captivates.
Pep Guardiola name-checked him before and after the defeat by Wolves, while Aston Villa’s John McGinn said he was one of the best players in the league.
“To have your value and hard work recognised by people like that is the most important thing in football,” says Neto. “When you start to show people what you can do, it’s a very proud moment. I’m always asked if I prefer playing on the left or right.
“When I’m on the left I would be more vertical, but on the right I have more options: bringing the ball to the middle or going outside. I always say that if I’m running on the pitch I’m happy! I will play in any position. I don’t feel any difference.”
‘When Gary came in, I felt it could be the starting point’
Neto, 23, points to O’Neil as a major factor behind him playing the best football of his career so far.
Harshly dismissed by Bournemouth, O’Neil has been a breath of fresh air for Neto, who was instantly impressed by his training sessions and attention to detail.
“He’s a manager who always says to the players that he is behind them. He’s always telling me to take my one-against-one, go against my men and be confident and that the team will always be there to help me,” he says.
“Even in pre-season under Lopetegui I was feeling really good and when Gary came in, I felt it could be the starting point again to go where I want to go.”
Neto made a public display of backing for O’Neil after that dazzling run against Manchester City, which ended in an own goal by Ruben Dias.
In front of the fans sitting in Molineux’s Stan Cullis Stand, he appeared to be pleading for calm. What was the message?
