Express & Star

Rajiv van la Parra hopes Wolves fans didn't mind his celebration

Rajiv van la Parra has wished Wolves well for the rest of the season - and hopes fans didn't mind his provocative celebration on Saturday.

Published

The Dutchman predictably scored the only goal of the game - his first in Huddersfield colours - against his former team as the Terriers ended Wolves' unbeaten start to the campaign at the John Smith's Stadium.

Van La Parra's every touch was booed by the away fans and after scoring in the sixth minute he celebrated by putting his finger to his lips and sprinting in front of Wolves' supporters.

"It's the heat of the moment, emotional," he said. "They are great fans and I don't think they make a big thing of it - I hope so.

"It was a really special moment for me because it was my first goal for Huddersfield Town, that's the emotional side of the goal.

"It wasn't difficult to face them, I know a lot of the players so for me it was nice to play against them.

"Wolverhampton gave me the chance to play in England so I'm thankful for this.

"Now I'm a Huddersfield player. I had a good time as well at Wolves.

"I only look back to the good moments at Wolves and I wish them all the best for the rest of the season.

"They have a really good team, good players and I think they will do good this season."

Van La Parra left Molineux in acrimonious circumstances last February when Huddersfield took him on loan.

He had angered supporters by posting on social media: "One week they love you. Next week they hate you. Both weeks I got paid."

The winger soon deleted the post and apologised for what he described as a 'personal joke'.

But supporters labelled him as 'immature' and 'ignorant'.

However it seems a switch to the Yorkshire club has done the Dutchman the world of good - and he's enjoying his fresh start.

"I get a lot of freedom from the manager, which helps me," he said. "I think I'm the kind of player who needs this to perform really well.

"I'm really happy I get this kind of trust from the manager, and my team mates as well.

"It was my first goal for the club. I was almost celebrating and then the ball came off the post. I was running to the ball and hit it with my left - I think it hit the end of the defender and went in.

"It was a really special moment for myself.

"I've played good games but the only thing missing was a goal. I hope many will follow now.

"I'm really happy here and I hope we can take this forward."

Sorry, we are not accepting comments on this article.