Premier League Asia Trophy

Neves keen to exhibit League values in China

16 Jul 2019

Wolves midfielder aims to showcase competition's quality and principles at Premier League Asia Trophy

Ruben Neves believes the Premier League Asia Trophy offers an important opportunity to showcase the values of England's top flight in China.

The Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder is eyeing silverware this week, with his side first facing Newcastle United in the Asia Trophy semi-finals in Nanjing on Wednesday.

But he is also feeling a responsibility to be an ambassador for the league, and its principles both on and off the pitch.

"The Premier League is the best league in the world," Neves told Wolves' official website.

"Every country sees the Premier League live. This is really good for us because we can show to the world our job and the way we play.

"Spreading the message of the Premier League and the work they do to help communities through football is really important because in some countries football is losing a little bit of what makes it beautiful.

"The Premier League works very hard on this, and I think it's really important for the league and for football outside England, because everyone looks at the Premier League as an example."

A great experience for local Wolves fans in Shanghai as the boss stops to sign shirts after training.

✍️🐺 pic.twitter.com/tHKyTKntYr
— Wolves (@Wolves) July 16, 2019

After Wednesday's semi-final, Wolves will face either Manchester City or West Ham United in Shanghai on Saturday, contesting the Asia Trophy final or a third/fourth place playoff.

"I think it's beneficial to have competitive fixtures instead of friendlies, because if you are playing against good teams you can prepare yourself better to play in the competition," said Neves.

"We want to maintain that winning feeling. That's what motivates you for everything – to win. If we can win, even in pre-season, it will be perfect for us."