Ruben Neves has posted an incredibly emotional goodbye to Wolverhampton Wanderers as he departs for the Saudi Pro League.
Reports last week emerged linked the highly-rated Wolves captain with a shock move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal.
That transfer was confirmed on Friday evening, with the defensive midfielder sold for around £47million – a record for the club.
Neves is the latest high-profile name to join the Saudi Pro League following the likes of , Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante.
More are expected to head to the Middle East this summer, not least several stars such as , Kalidou Koulibaly and Hakim Ziyech.
But while most of these examples are players past their prime or getting to that stage, Neves is only 26 and was tipped to join an elite side in Europe such as Arsenal, Manchester United or Barcelona.
In a video where he said goodbye to Molineux, the Portugal international appeared in tears and struggled to complete his farewell message without choking up.
‘What an unbelievable journey. I’ve worked with so many great people along the way. From the kit men to the kitchen staff, ground staff to the board members.
‘From the physios to coaches, technical staff and media. A big thank you to every single person I had the chance to work with. Every single moment was unforgettable.
‘To all of the players who were part of the club during the last six years, you are friends for life. The way we protected the pack was really incredible.
‘The way we worked together, the way we fought for the club, what we achieved and all the moments we spent together was unbelievable.
‘There are no words to describe our dressing room, with a team spirit that I’ve never experienced before. And then to become captain for the final year made me so proud.’
Neves joined Wolves from Porto in 2017 for around £16m – a then club-record and still the most expensive Championship signing of all-time.
Since then, he has played 253 games, winning the second-tier title and helping his side club qualify for Europe, with many considering him to be one of the club’s greatest players of all-time.
‘It really feels like home here and we will never, ever forget you,’ he added.
‘Six years is a long way. A long time. My kids grew up in Wolverhampton and they were so happy here. Me and my lovely wife will never forget the time we had here as a family, and I hope we can keep this big connection.
‘I leave as a player, but I will always be a wolf. No matter what. Thank you for everything, and I will see you in the South Bank – one day.’
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