Ruben Neves has admitted he misses playing Champions League football as Wolves push for a European spot in the Premier League. Formerly of Porto, Neves who came through the academy was previously part of a Champions League squad for three seasons before arriving at Molineux.
Ruben Neves said: “Yes [I miss it], a lot.I think any player that plays Champions League football and then spends a few years without competing in it will miss it. It’s a nice tournament to be part of, of course I miss it. It’s a tournament every player wants to play in. Being able to play in the Champions League and being able to compete against all the clubs is probably the main goal of every player, and for me it’s no different. Fortunately I was able to compete in the Champions League for three years with FC Porto and we did a brilliant and remarkable campaign but I do miss stepping out on the pitch and hearing the tournament’s anthem.”
Wolves returned to the Europa League under former manager Nuno Espirito Santo after a seventh place finish in the 2018/2019 campaign, following a 61-year-absence from the competition. This year under Bruno Lage however, they have a chance of replicating that and have been in and around a European spot for the majority of the season so far. Although, Neves admitted that he and his team-mates won’t be getting ahead of themselves.
Ruben Neves added: “We’ll see. But we don’t like to set out too many hopes. I think we’re doing a fantastic job and we will continue to think game by game, how we have done until now and evolve even more. We have a young squad that needs to gain further experience but it would be perfect because I have grown to love Wolverhampton, it is a club that is very present inside me which is how it should be.”
The Portugal international also described the ‘perfect’ moment he wishes to become reality in the near future.
Ruben Neves said: “I think that if I was to return to playing in the Champions League with Wolves, it would be one of the highest points in my career, because of the love I have for the club, for the city and the fans – I think it would just be perfect.”
