Daniel Podence became a European champion earlier this week as he won the Conference League with Olympiacos – and the player had some interesting words to say about Wolves in the aftermath.
Podence capped off a great season on Wednesday night as he got to lift the Conference League trophy. It was the first time a Greek club has ever won a European title.
They beat Fiorentina 1-0 in Athens, with striker Ayoub El Kaabi grabbing a goal late in extra-time.
It was a huge night for the club, and a very good way for Podence to finish his season, having personally been excellent by scoring 15 goals and making 13 appearances.
Since the game, Podence has spoken about his decision to join Olympiacos, making his feelings about Wolves very clear…
Daniel Podence says he did not feel valued by Wolves before joining Olympiacos
Eyebrows were raised when Podence completed a loan move back to his former club Olympiacos.
It had looked for most of the summer like the 28-year-old would be departing Molineux permanently. Ultimately though, offers were not forthcoming.
Gary O’Neil said that Podence did not share in Wolves’ goals, and kept the player away from the first-team before his departure.
In the end, Podence got his move, signing a new deal with Wolves in the process.
For a while now it’s been suggested that the chances of Podence being reintegrated back are slim. Given his latest comments, they are now practically zero.
Speaking after the win over Fiorentina, Podence said about joining Olympiacos (as quoted by A Bola): “I came here in a difficult situation, I went to England, I did well, but I felt that they didn’t value me as I wanted and I came back to a club where they like me a lot.
“I made a lot of sacrifices to come back, I heard a lot of people say it wasn’t the right step, it’s not a normal step to come from the Premier League to Greece, but I believe a lot in myself and my convictions.
“We didn’t have an easy season, but I fought, I think I did very well and I was able to help the team and these people who love me so much, and who have a place in my heart.”
Podence’s Wolves days are surely over
Whenever a player talks about not feeling valued by a club, it is always a good indicator that they don’t really to stay.
Podence – who was signed for £17 million on the watch of Nuno Espirito Santo – has loved his time over in Greece and has clearly felt the love of Olympiacos’ fans.
We don’t know exactly what has gone on behind the scenes at Wolves with Podence, and only really have what O’Neil has said publicly to go off. It sounded at the time like Podence had no interest in staying.
At this point, it would be a major shock if Podence remained at Wolves for the 2024/25 season.
Olympiacos want to keep the player and it’s just about whether the two clubs can reach an agreement for a transfer. Hopefully, His great season can help Wolves to get a decent fee.