The Brazilian joined from Real Sociedad for the remainder of the season on Saturday, after four years of leading the line impressively for the La Liga side. Having watched fellow striker Raul Jimenez make the move from Spain to England a successful one in recent years, Jose has a reference and is determined to become an “important player” in old gold.
On joining Wolves on loan
“I am very happy. It is a new adventure, a new challenge. So, I'm very willing, very focused, to be with my companions and to make a very good second half of the Premier League season.
“Wolves is a team that is growing every day, every year. To be noticed by the big clubs in the Premier League, for me, it is an honour. I'm very happy, very keen to be with my teammates, and hopefully everything will turn out well this year, like we planned.
“What Wolves have been doing for two years now has been very good. I watched several games and that motivated me to be part of this project. I hope to do my best and have a great season.”
On the need for a fresh start
“Without a doubt. As I always say, a footballer has to look for new challenges, new adventures, new cultures. It's our life, football is passionate, so we have to look for new challenges.
“I have lived in Spain for four and a half wonderful years, in which I have experienced many very good moments, but I see that now is the time to change and, who knows, make history with this new club too.”
Excited to see @willianjose19?
— Wolves (@Wolves) January 23, 2021
🇧🇷🚀pic.twitter.com/Usck5CLQtl
On being ready to hit the ground running
“I've been working, I've been training for a long time. My last game was on Wednesday. So, I'm ready. Of course, I still need a few days to get to know my teammates and, who knows, be ready for the games when the coach needs me.”
On the Premier League excitement
“For me it's a dream, a dream come true. Every footballer dreams of playing in the Premier League one day. It's a very competitive league, with many great teams, and every game is important.
“So, I think it's a very big dream for all the players and for me it will surely be a dream come true. Who knows, I might make history in the Premier League.
“The last game I saw was against West Bromwich, when Wolves lost 2-3 at home. Of course, in the Premier League all games are difficult. It won't be easy, but I'll be prepared, with a lot of hard work and a lot of focus, to face this new challenge.”
On his characteristics at a forward
“I'm a striker, a number nine. But I'm not just a player to be just inside the area. I like to get out too. To defend. Hold the ball, hold it up to bring other players into play.
“I've seen some games and I think that I'll adapt well. I'll get to know my teammates. I hope to be an important player for the club and also for the players and the coach.”
Wolves' new number 1️⃣2️⃣
— Wolves (@Wolves) January 23, 2021
🇧🇷🐺 pic.twitter.com/VZ9z6szy4U
On using Jimenez as an inspiration
“Raul is a player who has been making history for the club. In the last few years, he has been scoring many goals. I've followed a few games. He is an important player for the club. Now he's having a hard time with his injury, but I hope to do the same, to bring joy to the fans and the whole club.”
On playing against Jonny and Semedo
“I already know them. They are two very good players. One was at Celta Vigo and the other at Barcelona, which for me is one of the best teams in the world. He's a very good player. So, I'm happy with this opportunity I'm having, to wear this shirt and give my best.
“I'm happy because I won't find it difficult to talk to my teammates – a lot of them are Portuguese, so we speak the same language. I just hope to adapt on the pitch as soon as possible and to give joy to the fans.”
On hopes while at Wolves
“The most important thing is hard work. To be happy where I'll be now. To be happy with my teammates, with the club. So, I think this season we have to finish well, because we are 14th in the table. I hope that we are at least in the top eight so that next season, we can start from scratch and make a great season.”
