Brazilian midfielder João Gomes, 22, already feels at home when playing for Wolverhampton. He went to Europe after a good stint at Flamengo, where he started his career since the youth categories.
Yesterday (3rd), the Wolves lost 3-2 to Crystal Palace and are now at the 15th place in the Premier League, with three points in four matches. Gomes played in all of them, but left the field on the last one complaining about a sore knee.
In an insightful interview to the official website of the club, the Brazilian evaluated his first moments in England and said that the weather was one of the main differences he felt after leaving Rio de Janeiro.
"It was a radical change because I left Rio with 38 degrees weather and landed in the UK with 0 degrees weather. Brazil was very sunny and here it’s very cold and there are other things to consider such as family and friends who are hard to leave behind.
"But my wife, who is here with me, is instrumental. She is the one who gives me all the support to disconnect as soon as I get on the pitch and focus solely on my work which is what I came here to do.
"I would say these six months made all the difference. When I first arrived, I didn’t know a single English word – absolutely none. But little by little, you are taught the language and learn to listen to everyone around you and I think that has helped me improve as an individual and to fully adjust.
"My English is not the best yet but I’m studying every day but most of the time."
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Check out what else he said
Playing in the Premier League. "I think Brazilian football is very different from English football. It’s a lot more fast-paced, the kicks and tactics are on the spot decisions you make. When I first played, I was able to score because it was almost as if a weight was lifted off my shoulders. I definitely feel that pressure off me. Nowadays, I can speak English a little more, but I am slowly getting there. But I think that the way I play goes hand in hand with the League’s pace. The matches are more physical, there’s more fight over the ball, so I think I was born to play here."
On reuniting with Matheus França. "I played in the main team [at Flamengo] and he went from U20 to the main team. He has always been a kind-hearted and respectful player, so I think he has all the qualities to do well here. We also share quite a few things since we’re both fast players and he’s really strong. I have no doubt in my mind that he will do well. I’m not the right person to give him advice. I always go with what I feel will work and if I start advising people, it won’t lead anywhere. The less you ask me, the better, because I play as I go so I’m not the best at giving advice!"
I'm sure we're on the right track come on wolves 🔥🐺 pic.twitter.com/exqtFwaUuH
— João Gomes (@GomesOficial08) August 15, 2023
