Jake Howard really loves Joao Moutinho, he really does. He would probably try and marry him if he wasn’t engaged already.
In the latest in the ‘My Wolves G.O.A.T’ series, Jake talks why the Portuguese wizard is his Wolves GOAT.
It was difficult to write this blog about anybody else.
Growing up I was a huge fan of wolves cult heroes such as George Elokobi, Michael Kightly and SEB.
But this man takes them all, not least because he is arguably the best footballer many Wolves fans will have ever seen.
Arrival
On the 11 August 2018 I, among many other lifelong Wolves fans, fell in love.
Joao Moutinho made his debut in a 2-2 draw with Everton in a game that many believed was the start of something special at wolves.
Joao Moutinho has been part of a spectacular few years for wolves fans; Wembley days, Europa league adventures, and huge scalps against the so called ‘top 6’.
A moment people might forget was a key draw against Man Utd
where Joao Moutinho caressed the ball past one of the best keepers in the world.
A class above
Joao Moutinho, a man who reportedly ‘loves the vino’ is a man who oozes class, on and off the field.
On the field his talent is undeniable, explaining his 118 caps for Portugal.
But it is off the field where his class may not be known so well.
At the Wolves end of season dinner 2018/2019 I saw Joao Moutinho, when all other players left their tables, get up and hug every member on his table he had met only hours ago, and I watched on with envy.
Even his family ooze with class. There is a great quote from one of Joao Moutinho’s daughters in Johnny Phillips latest book, Bitten By Wolves, when asked if she prefers Monaco or Wolverhampton. Trust me, it’s a fantastic response (you’ll have to buy it to see it).
Joao the one
It is difficult to write about the man without it sounding like a love letter, as he truly has that effect on Wolves fans.
The feeling you get when he gives the iconic wave at corners when you are sitting in the North or South bank cannot be aptly described.
At best it is akin to seeing your first-born child for the first time (Dave here. Editing this piece. Really Jake, Really?)
When he joined Wolves, he was a marquee signing, a man with trophies and international pedigree, who many would have believed was ready to wind down on his career.
His knowledge of the game shines through and seems to make those around him play better.
It is not just his ability that impresses me when I watch him, his work rate is second to none on the pitch, his diminutive stature never causing an issue with going up against the big guns of the premier league.
My future is with Joao
With reports of discussions continuing to tie him down to a new deal, he has already proven, like his compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo, that despite being in his 30’s, he could go for a few more years.
It cannot be stressed more how integral he has been to our team over the last couple of years, and how is experience could seep down to the younger squads and reaps rewards for the club in the years to come.
So here’s to you Joao Moutinho. The Portuguese Man of War. I’ll buy you as many vino’s as you like. You’re my Wolves GOAT.
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