Hundred not out for Joao
JOAO MOUTINHO reaches a milestone for Wolves today – but in the future he could gain entrance to the Premier League’s over-40s club.
The Portuguese midfielder will make his 100th appearance for the Black Country club at Molineux this afternoon with his new boss singing his praises.
Moutinho, capped a staggering 135 times by his country, celebrates his 35th birthday in 10 days’ time.
But Wolves boss Bruno Lage (below) believes that the man who is ranked second only to Cristiano Ronaldo in appearances for Portugal is in such good shape that he can play on for another five years.
Moutinho was outstanding during last week’s 1-0 defeat by Spurs and Lage said: “I’ve known Joao since he was 17 or 18. I remember him from the Under-19s at Benfica where I started my career.
“He’s enjoyed a brilliant career himself and from my first day here I’m looking at a player with big motivation to play the way we want to.
“I don’t know if he’s 25, 35 or 40 because of the way he plays and the way he comes into training every day.
“I don’t see a difference between him and the younger players.”
Lage has brought with him an impressive body of work as a manager and a hatred of losing.
That sour taste has been in his mouth after singlegoal defeats to Leicester City and Spurs in the league.
But a thumping win over Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup at last meant Wolves have something to show for their efforts.
He added: “Here, every game is like the Champions League. When I first spoke to the players and put my ideas to them, it was to take the pressure off and for others to understand that we are tough to play against.”