Wolves have a new Brazilian hero in the famous old gold, and last weekend André Trindade da Costa Neto seized the chance to boost his popularity even further.
As Wolves celebrated the crucial second goal away at Ipswich in front of their fans, André grabbed the mobile phone of a supporter and took an impromptu selfie video. Shouting down the lens with his team-mates behind him, the clip swiftly went viral on social media.
While the video epitomised the feel-good factor under head coach Vitor Pereira, with the side now virtually safe from relegation, it also added to André’s growing reputation.
Speaking for the first time about last weekend’s joyous scenes, he told Telegraph Sport: “It was a really happy moment and at the end of a great comeback. The fans were really close to us and my first reaction was to take the phone and film. I didn’t know that it would have such an effect. We just hope we can win more games and that this euphoria can carry on.”
André’s status with Wolves fans was already sky high, with the Brazil international emerging as one of their most crucial players under Pereira this year. Signed for £18.8 million from Fluminense last August, he is a defensive No 6 midfielder who is the heartbeat of the team.
Together with Brazilian compatriot João Gomes, the pair will likely be a nightmare for beleaguered Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou this weekend.
Their nicknames of “Monster” [André] and “Pitbull” [Gomes] underline the daunting challenge Tottenham will face at Molineux on Sunday. “João called me ‘Monster’ on his Instagram account after the Southampton game and I do like it,” André says. “He’s a good partner of mine and we like to battle.
“He can cover the whole field by defending and attacking. We have a great connection on and off the field, we share the same agent and he’s been so good for me since coming to England. I will always give my all and live my life on the pitch. I will fight for this team.”
André became the latest Brazilian addition at Wolves last summer, joining a list which includes Gomes, Matheus Cunha and Pedro Lima. André gave early notice of his potential on his league debut ...
