Raul Jimenez touched by backing from Wolves fans
Top goalscorer Raul Jimenez has expressed his joy over how the ‘amazing’ Wolves fans have taken to him.
The 28-year-old hotshot has become a firm favourite of the Molineux faithful after netting 17 times in all competitions this season.
Supporters have often been seen donning sombreros, ponchos and Mexican wrestling masks while chanting ‘Si Senor’ – and Jimenez has been blown away by it all.
“All the supporters have been amazing throughout the season and I’m very proud of them,” he said.
“We are very happy for all the support, throughout the season, from these amazing people.”
Jimenez – who Wolves are due to snap up this summer for a club-record £32million after a stunning season on loan from Portuguese side Benfica – always dreamt of having his name sung in the stands too.
“When I was young I used to hear the fans singing the names of the other players in the stands,” said Jimenez.
“Now it’s my turn, and I’m very happy for that.”
Jimenez played the whole game as Wolves ended at Molineux by beating Fulham 1-0 at the weekend.
His compatriot and good friend, WWE star Sin Cara, was the guest of honour for the match too.
Jimenez did not get on the scoresheet – Leander Dendoncker grabbing the winner – but was delighted to finish at home in fine fashion, making it 11 games unbeaten there in all competitions in the process.
“It’s always good to win these kinds of matches, and it’s brilliant to finish like this,” he said.
“It’s been amazing, and I like being here very much.
“I’m very happy to be part of this history. I hope the next year can be the same or even better than this one.”
Jimenez, in the wake of Wolves announcing he would be signed on a permanent basis, said he saw no reason why Wolves could not push for a Champions League place – or at least a spot in the top six – next season.
He played in the top European cup competition while with Benfica and featured in the World Cup for Mexico in both 2014 and 2018.
Jimenez was also part of Mexico’s team which won gold at the Olympic games in London in 2012 and has now formed a potent partnership with Diogo Jota in old gold.
The pair have managed 22 league goals between them – Jimenez 13, Jota 9 – this term.
On Wolves’ campaign – which has consisted of an ascent to seventh in the Premier League and a run to the FA Cup semi-finals – he added: “At the beginning of the season, maybe no-one felt that this was going to happen.
“But now, here we are, this is our moment and we have to enjoy it.”
