New Skipper Lemina – ‘I feel proud. It means a lot’

Mario Lemina says he’s “proud” to be named the new Wolves captain, but insists the group is packed with leaders.

The Gabon international will lead the Old Gold out at the Emirates on the opening day, and being handed the armband by Gary O’Neil feels like the ideal responsibility at this stage of his career. Already a big influence on the group, Lemina led by example, which was appreciated by supporters who voted him their Player of the Season last term, and now he’s looking to repay that faith as captain.

On taking over as captain

“I feel proud. It means a lot for me because I’ve been working really hard for the group. I’ve been one of the leaders, one of the most contagious players in the team. I have a really good relationship with the Gaffer and the players, so I can be in between and try to transmit the best message for both.

“We talked about it last year because I was one of the leaders. Max was the captain and he’s been really important for us, but I was contagious for the players, the way I behave, the way I train, the way I do my stuff on and off the pitch. I try to transmit things to the others. Everyone was happy, but normal. They already knew from last year who I was and what I can give to the players on and off the pitch.”

On embracing Wolves as a club

“When you work hard and people around you give you praise, you just want to give back every minute, every time you spend at the club on and off the pitch. You want to make them proud all the time, that’s what I do, and I think this step at Wolves has made me realise I love football and love to be on the pitch, being competitive. The supporters trust me, and the club has given me so much confidence and I need to give back.

“It was really special for me [the bond with fans]. I never lie on the pitch, I always give my best, and they recognise it. That was the main thing for me. Even when I was in a hard situation, they were with me. When I was away, they were with me. We were a big family and I’m really proud to be here, with this kind of supporters, and I want to give back what they deserve.”

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On O’Neil’s impact

“Gary, for me, is a fantastic manager. To be honest, he’s the type of manager I want to be when I become a manager hopefully one day. He understands players, he knows how to talk with players, he recognises when we do mistakes, and we can talk. I think it’s about trust and that’s what we’ve found with Gary.”

On his evolution in football

“I came here [the UK] as a young player, and everything was different for me. I see other players getting to the level I was before, and I just want to help them not make the same mistakes as me. I didn’t have someone to talk to me when I was younger. I was sure I was going to make it and it didn’t matter what was going to happen, but it never happened like that.

“You need to work and get experience from others, and that’s the main thing. When you get this kind of experience, you can go everywhere, try to give your best and be the best version of yourself.”

On his captaincy plan

“I’m the captain with the armband, but I’m not the only one. There’s a lot of players in this team who deserve to be captain as well – Nelson, Cunha, Dawson – but I think we’re going to split the work. I’m going to try to be myself, like I was last year. Of course, I have to give a little bit more, because it means a lot. We work well, we understand each other, and captaincy isn’t about one person, it’s about a group.

“For me, it’s going to be normal. I’m going to try to give my best, be the best version of myself, try to get fit as quick as I can, to give what I gave last year, and let’s get ready.”

“I love being here. The family that we are building, all the club, it’s been fantastic for me, so I’m very happy.”