Ex-Orlando Pirates midfielder Marshall Munetsi has opened up after his sensational breakthrough into the prestigious English Premier League.
The 28-year-old midfielder crossed floors from the French Ligue 1 to one of the best leagues in the world – the Premier League on the transfer window deadline day on Monday.
Wolverhampton Wanderers battled tooth and nail to bring him to the club on a three-and-a-half-year deal. His lucrative contract also includes a further 12-month option to extend. He joined them after making 159 appearances for French side Stade Reims since his arrival in 2019.
Instantly, he set a new benchmark for Zimbabwean players after his move for an over R400 million fee, eclipsing all the previous transfer records for the country’s stars abroad.
MUNETSI ON CLOUD NINE AFTER JOINING THE ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE
As a result, he is on cloud nine after completing his move to the lucrative league. In his first words at the club, Munetsi said: “I’m delighted. It’s a dream come true for me. I’ve always wanted to be part of something big, and being part of Wolves is something that is very big for me, and is big for my family.”
“It’s a team that I’ve also seen from afar, and the Premier League is the best place to be. So I’m delighted to join the family, to join the team.
“I’m very excited. It’s probably going to be the first time I’ve had a big opportunity to be representing a bigger club.
“Nothing against Reims, but now you’re going to be playing in the Premier League, playing for Wolves. Also, we have a greater population in England for Zimbabweans; I think I will feel even more at home than what I was doing in France.”
Commenting about his stay in France, Munetsi said: “The first time I got there, I didn’t think I would stay for that long, but considering what I went through with the club, I really enjoyed my time there.
“And I think now it’s probably the best time because I’ve gained so much experience. Being in the French league is also very tough, probably not as much as the Premier League.
“But I think it’s also quite competitive with the clubs that we have. So, I think those games will come in handy once I make this move.”
MUNETSI BANKING ON HIS LEADERSHIP QUALITIES
Munetsi believes his leadership qualities help him make a difference on and off the pitch.
“I think in as much as we play football, we learn a lot. Being a leader is something that is not easy, but you also have to nurture yourself,” he said.
“You have to learn how to help others, how to guide, how to lead by example, on the pitch and off the pitch.
“So, I think it’s something that I’ll also be able to bring to Wolves, considering what I’ve also produced here at Reims. I think it’s some of the qualities that I do produce on the pitch and off the pitch.”
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