Raul Jimenez addressed the rumours linking him with a move away from Wolverhampton Wanderers, insisting that his quest for Champions League football won’t see him departing the club this summer – a stance that drew praise from supporters on social media.
After a successful loan spell from Benfica in 2018/19, the 28-year-old turned the move to Wolves permanent last summer and has gone on to make 88 appearances in 18 months, scoring 39 goals and making 18 assists.
Jimenez has been one of the Premier League’s best centre-forwards in his short time in England – scoring more goals (26) than Marcus Rashford (24), Alexandre Lacazette (20), Roberto Firmino (20) and Gabriel Jesus (17) since 2018/19 – so it wasn’t surprising that elite European clubs are being linked with his signature.
It’s just great news for fans that he has no interest in leaving, telling Facebook Live: “I don’t need to qualify for the Champions League to know I want to stay here. We have done great things as a team: we have qualified for the Europa League and now we are within reach of qualification for the Champions League.
“Playing the Champions League is of course an additional motivation to do your best and want to accomplish great things. My motivation is my family. It’s great to be always with them. Now with the baby on the way, I cannot be happier! This is also motivating me to continue giving my best.”
Raul Jimenez said on Facebook today that him staying at Wolves isn't dependent on them qualifying for the Champions League and he's happy at the club.
(via @mexicoworldcup) #WWFC pic.twitter.com/GoYOSGRGLx
— Tim Spiers (@TimSpiers) March 26, 2020
Very true, I'm chuffed he's happy. The whole squad is happy come to that.!!
— John Bowman (@JohnBow97215550) March 26, 2020
Bloody fantastic great player 🐺🐺
— Clive Mogg (@MoggClive) March 27, 2020
Great to hear 🐺 💛🖤
— Neswulf 🏴 (@Hreodgarcynn) March 27, 2020
Great to hear something to cheer us up!
— ChrissyInCumbria (@cumbria_in) March 27, 2020
This is just wonderful news Tim.
— James Coggins (@JTCoggins) March 26, 2020
Good lad … make history with Wolves … be a hero 👍
— Jeremy Nicholls (@JeremyNicholl12) March 27, 2020
With everything going on this is great to hear👌hard to put into words how much Raul means to us🙏he’s world class & then some🐺
— Reggie🐺🐊 (@Reggie61823972) March 27, 2020
The season is currently postponed due to the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic, but Jimenez has already matched last season’s Premier League goals tally, as per Transfermarkt. If the campaign can be resumed and the Mexican international finds the back of the net again, it will be the best league return of his career.