Raul Jimenez’s Wolves gesture has gone down brilliantly – but not with everyone | OneFootball

The Mexican striker is set for his first league game at Wolves in three years after an emotional summer return

Wolverhampton Wanderers saw modern-day Molineux icon and Mexican international forward, Raul Jimenez, return to the Black Country this summer, and to mark what is likely to be his first league appearance for the club in over three years, the 35-year-old and his family have given back to supporters.

Wolves are involved in the Championship's 'curtain-raiser' against Blackburn Rovers in WV1, which will also be the first league match in charge for Cesar Peixoto, who replaced Rob Edwards in the dugout just days after Jimenez's return was confirmed.

Wanderers began their competitive season with a comprehensive 3-0 win over Port Vale at Molineux a week ago in the EFL Cup first round, with Jimenez playing the last 19 minutes of the encounter after having a period of rest following Mexico's run to the World Cup knockout stages.

However, after scoring thrice in the major tournament, his focus is clearly on helping the Old Gold and Black achieve promotion, which would further cement his legacy.

Raul Jimenez explains South Bank gesture ahead of Wolves' clash vs Blackburn Rovers

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Jimenez's first spell at Molineux lasted five years, seeing an initial loan from Benfica turned permanent for £30m after scoring 17 goals in his debut season, in which the club secured UEFA Europa League football.

However, less than two years later, a fractured skull saw him sidelined for several months, with it since being claimed that Jimenez is fortunate to still be alive, never mind continuing to play football to such a high standard.

After 57 goals and 23 assists in 166 games, Jimenez joined Fulham in 2023, but has always been welcomed back to Molineux upon his return, including in May, when talk of a reunion with the Midlands club started to spread.

Repaying that support ahead of the clash with Rovers, Jimenez and his family have put a scarf reading 'Si Senor' relating to his famous chant on each seat in the South Bank.

Talking about the gesture, the forward said: "We are really thankful to you for all this love you have been showing me in the past couple of years since I arrived the first time here at Wolves, and since I left the club as well.

"Now, with all the amazing welcome you have given me, I'm really excited ahead of the new season and we will do our best.

"We are really proud to be part of the pack again, and you have a special place in our hearts," he added.

Jimenez's wife then also explained that the fans' feelings towards the striker, especially after his serious injury, was a major factor in the decision to return.

Not all Wolves fans are pleased with Raul Jimenez's gesture

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It is, of course, a strong showing of the reciprocated feelings which Wolves fans, Jimenez and his family have for each other, but not all who follow the club are entirely impressed.

One supporter stated: "Why is it always the Southbank? we ARE all his supporters singing his name. I’m not bothered about having a scarf but am sick of the Southbank being lauded all the time, it’s just not fair. We all pay our hard earned money for season tickets and deserve the same respect!!"

Another was of the same opinion, saying: There are other stands in the ground that support the club just as much."

Although the video shows scarfs being placed in the South Bank, which is known for its vociferous support, yet another verdict read: "I hope this is mirrored around the ground and not just specific for fans in one area."

However, there were some Wanderers fans not all too fussed, with another saying: "Would i like a scarf. Yes. Am I gutted i wont. No what a lovely gesture. A wolf through n through."

A supporter who is in the South Bank was also bemused by the mixed reactions, responding: "Cry more if you’re in another stand. Week in week out southbank is full very rarely leaves early. Guy tries to do a nice thing and you just moan."

Raul Jimenez will hope to do more talking on the pitch as Wolves target promotion

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Despite being in the latter years of his career, Jimenez is among the favourites to collect the Championship's Golden Boot this term, and he will hope to lay an early marker down against Blackburn in front of the Sky cameras.

Even beyond the 130-time international, Peixoto still has a plethora of strong attacking options to select from, with both Adam Armstrong and Fer Lopez already off the mark with goals against the Valiants on cup duty.