Express & Star

Raul Jimenez: Hard work paying off at Wolves

Wolves top scorer Raul Jimenez says his hard work is paying off as he realises his Premier League dream.

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Raul Jimenez

The 27-year-old has netted 11 goals since joining from Benfica on loan for the season.

That’s surpassed most people’s expectations – and he’ll now look to help fire Wolves to seventh and perhaps even FA Cup success.

He said: “I was dreaming about coming to the Premier League, but I wasn’t sure when I could get there. It’s all about hard work, always doing your best, and that’s what we all do here at Wolverhampton.

“It’s great to see that the fans are happy, that my family is proud. I see that all this hard work is paying off.

“Collectively and individually we’ve been going very well. We’ve had a good performance, all the more so as we just got back to the Premier League.

“We’re playing for more than staying in the Premier League. I get along very well with my team-mates, both on the pitch and off the pitch.

“It’s a high level here in England. It’s a very competitive championship.

“It’s happened to us a few times that we managed to beat the top clubs, or at least get a draw, but then we struggle in our next match against smaller teams, and even lose.

“The Premier League is a very harsh competition and we must work hard to plan for different scenarios and consistently get a result.”

Jimenez is a regular for Mexico and has earned 70 caps so far. Wolves’ popularity is growing in the country and Jimenez’s goal is to still be in the team by the time of the 2022 World Cup.

“I’m very proud to be selected for the game next month against Paraguay, I feel very confident,” he added.

“I know that the next big challenge for Mexico is the Gold Cup. I know I must continue to perform on the pitch and score goals. I’ll do everything to achieve the best result possible for my team.

“I’m going to fight to be playing at the next World Cup. That’s my goal, but I know I need to keep on working to reach it. I’d love to do it, but there’s a tough competition inside the selection, so it’s not easy. I’m convinced our team can get great results.

“You need to pursue your dreams till the end. Nobody can tell you you’re not good enough. You must prepare physically and mentally.

“There’ll be many obstacles, but one must keep on going forward. Some may think it’s going to be easy, but it’s never the case.

“You will always have some setbacks, but in the end, you’ve got your destiny in your hands and the power to create your own path.”