Wolves boss Nuno plans warm welcome for returning Diogo Jota

Former fans’ favourite Jota is returning for the first time since being sold to the Reds in a deal worth up to £45million last summer.

And Nuno plans on giving his compatriot a warm welcome, which he feels would have been reciprocated by supporters.

“I will give him a big hug – big, big hug and eventually a kiss. This is how much I like him,” said Nuno on Jota, who has recently returned from a knee injury.

“The friendship that we had, years together, every day. Big hug.

“I am absolutely sure that if Molineux was full of our fans, he would have a huge reception because what Diogo did with us was amazing, fantastic, beyond words.

“Truly admired by the fans because he gave everything he had for Wolves.

“He joined us in the Championship coming from Porto, he put his life, he put his heart here, and that can never be forgotten.

“He is on his way. He went to a fantastic club, now he is healthy again, playing again, smiling. I wish him all the best.

“If I see him before the game, I will hug him strong and at the end I will hug him no matter what happens as I have a big admiration for him.”

Nuno, meanwhile, says some of his players have ‘so much more to give’ as they get ready to face last season’s champions.

“We’re trying and working on the process – first to improve our players. We need to raise our standards,” he added.

“Individually, there are players that have so much more to give. We are working and pushing them on that aspect, because that will definitely help the team.

“Hopefully, soon, we’ll have everyone together to face the last games of the competition.”