Rayan Ait-Nouri says his summer holidays left him refreshed and ready to get back to work, with pre-season now well underway for Wolves in Marbella.
The 23-year-old enjoyed the busiest season of his career last season, establishing himself as a key player for Gary O’Neil, and in the close season was helping Algeria in their quest to reach the World Cup. Now back with the Old Gold for their warm weather camp in Spain, Ait-Nouri is pleased to be back getting into it ahead of another Premier League campaign at Molineux.
On a summer away from Wolves
“It was a very good summer with my family. I enjoyed it with my mum, my sister and my brother, and it was very good. Now, I’ve come back to play football. I was in Morocco and Dubai with my friends. It was a good summer, and the weather was very good.”
On representing Algeria again
“It was a good moment, good games for qualification for the World Cup. We played two games, winning one and losing one, but it was a pleasure to play for my national team.
“We know African football is very hard and now we’re first in the table, so it’s good to be confident. I think we played difficult games, but the most important thing is the win where we took three points.”
On keeping in contact with Wolves teammates
“I still messaged some players like Joao Gomes and JJ Bellegarde. It’s very good, they’re my friends here and for sure I enjoy playing with them and I want to keep this connection, it’s important for me.”
On the camp in Marbella
“It’s good weather, different to England. The training is very good, I came back with the team and I’m very happy to see the gaffer and staff. We’ll keep continuing like this to be ready for the Premier League.
“I haven’t watched the Euros, but I saw Spain and England won. We have some players from Spain and England so it’s very good for them – Pablo and Hugo were happy.”
On his closest connections in the camp
“To be honest, it’s the French guys. Mario, Cunha, JJ, but I have a good connection with everyone and try to speak with everyone.
“The gaffer gives us some free time and we are very close with the gaffer, he speaks a lot with us, and this is very good. It’s very good for our confidence, I said before that the gaffer is an amazing person and amazing coach, and he’s very good.”
