Pedro Neto was in tears after saying goodbye to his Wolves club and did not want to leave before joining Chelsea.
This is the opinion of the club’s sporting director, Matt Hobbs, who announced the winger’s emotional departure from Molineux.
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On Sunday, Neto’s move to Stamford Bridge for £51.4 million was confirmed, ending his five-year stay in the Midlands.
However, it was revealed that the 24-year-old was reluctant to accept the Blues’ offer in his quest to challenge for trophies.
Speaking on Wolves’ website, Hobbs said of the sale of the Portuguese international: “As tough as it was for us, I think it was probably even tougher for Pedro.”
“Tears all morning at the training ground – I don’t think Pedro wanted to leave Wolverhampton Wanderers and I’ve spoken to him since then and he will always love the club.
“But it felt like an opportunity for him that he couldn’t turn down and a deal for us that we couldn’t turn down.
“Pedro can compete in European football – Chelsea are under pressure with the amount of money they spend when it comes to titles and Champions League football.
“So he will get that chance, but nobody should think it was easy for Pedro. For me it was right for everyone, but also really annoying for everyone.”
He also noted: “It’s hard to talk about it because I was really close to Pedro and it was so good to have him around at the training ground.
“Everyone knows what kind of player he is – he’s a world-class winger who has had so much bad luck with injuries, so of course we’ll miss him on the pitch, but also on the training ground with his energy and the relationship he had with so many people.”
“It was tough but it felt fair considering what Pedro had been through with his various injuries and it’s a great opportunity for him.
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“The deal is fine for us and Pedro, but it certainly doesn’t make things any easier.”
Meanwhile, Neto, who scored 14 goals in 135 games for Wolves, shared a heartfelt message with the club’s fans following his departure.
He wrote on Instagram: “Hey Wolves family. This is a tough one for me.”
“After five years full of incredible moments, highs, lows and everything in between, it is time for me to say goodbye.
“I remember how proud I was when I put on the old gold jersey for the first time.
“And from that moment on, you accepted me as one of your own. You believed in me, you built me up, and together we created memories that I will carry with me forever.
“It wasn’t just about the goals or the wins. It was about the bond we built, the love and passion that permeates this club and this city.”
“You made me feel like I belonged and I will never forget that. Saying goodbye is not easy. But I know this is not the end, just a new chapter.”
“I will always carry the Wolves in my heart and I will always be grateful to each and every one of you who cheered me on, who believed in me and who made me feel at home.
“Thank you, Wolves family, for everything. I will miss you, but I know our paths will cross again.”
“Until then, I’ll be cheering you on from everywhere. Once a wolf, always a wolf.”
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