Raul Jimenez explains controversial Wolves decision he made before Blackburn game | OneFootball

Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Raul Jimenez has explained a decision he made to supporters prior to scoring against Blackburn Rovers...

Raul Jimenez scored on his Championship debut for Wolverhampton Wanderers against Blackburn Rovers, with the striker explaining a decision he made before the fixture to give fans on the South Bank a scarf.

Adam Armstrong started in attack for Wolverhampton Wanderers against his former side, with Raul Jimenez watching on from the bench initially. His side took the lead when Fer Lopez found Marshall Munetsi but Blackburn Rovers fought back.

Sean McLoughlin equalised shortly after before Andri Gudjohnsen put them ahead just after half time. Jimenez had to come off the bench to find a late equaliser from the penalty spot during his second league debut for Wolves.

Raul Jimenez reveals his thoughts on scoring in front of The South Bank again

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Jimenez was outstanding during his first spell with Wolves, becoming one of the defining players of their modern era and scoring 57 goals in 166 appearances. His fractured skull suffered against Arsenal in 2020 was a huge setback and inevitably affected the trajectory of his career, though.

But he still managed a respectable spell with Fulham, scoring regularly and reaching 50 Premier League goals. Now back at Wolves following their relegation to the Championship, the 35-year-old has already made an impact on his return, scoring a stoppage-time equaliser already in the opening game.

On buying every supporter in The South Bank stand a scarf, which was the stand he was in front of to score his penalty. On this, he said: "It's really nice. It's to give them back some love that they were showing me for the past eight years, even when I was not here in the club.

"They were showing me their love every time. Every match and on social media and every time I played against Wolves I felt that big love that they have to me. And, well, this is a little bit that I can give them."

The decision pre-match had caused some controversy, with fans in other stands frustrated to not be involved in the gesture.

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After scoring 31 in 115 games for Fulham, as well as 48 in 130 for Mexico, there is no reason for Jimenez to be playing second tier football. At the age of 35, he may be slowing down but he should score plenty in the Championship.

In fact, Jimenez really ought to be among the Championship's leading scorers this season. His experience, finishing, and ability to link play should make him a major attacking asset for a team expected to dominate like.

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Even if his age means he cannot realistically be expected to start all 46 league games, careful rotation, particularly through the demanding winter period, could be crucial to keeping the 35-year-old fresh and prolonging his impact.

His dramatic stoppage-time goal on his Molineux return against Blackburn was an early reminder of his value. It was also a lovely moment for both the Mexican and the club's supporters to score in such a manner after gifting the scarves.

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Wolves fans and rival supporters have responded to the penalty incident during the Blackburn clash, with many pointing out the luck involved over the decision to award the spot kick.

further response from a fan on X said: "that’s the sort of pen that makes a stadium go weirdly quiet for a second, proper cold finish."

Another reply on X stated: "This championship is not easy, if you go not easy to comeback."

A further comment on X read: "rauls face right there says it all like he knew that was the only script that fit wolves this season proper championship chaos in one look."