Warriors vice captain Marshall Munetsi has joined English Premier League side Wolves as their second deadline-day signing, he joins from Reims on a three-and-a-half-year deal.
The Zimbabwe international, whose contract includes a further 12-month option, joins having played 159 games for Reims, 67 of which came alongside another of Wolves’ January signings Emmanuel Agbadou.
The 28-year-old, capable of playing in several midfield roles, spent the early part of his career in South Africa, representing Ubuntu Cape Verde, Baroka and Orlando Pirates.
It was while playing for the Pirates in 2018 that Munetsi made his Zimbabwe debut – one of 23 caps to date – and in that same year, he helped his country to the COSAFA Cup.
The following season, Munetsi made his move to Europe and developed into a regular starter during the previous three-and-a-half seasons in Ligue 1 with Reims.
Known for providing goals from midfield, Munetsi leaves with 21 to his name, hitting double figures for goal involvements across the 2022/23 season.
Munetsi has captained both his club and country at times this season, most recently on Saturday, as he led Reims out against Nantes for his 21st appearance of this campaign before his move to Molineux.
Having plied his trade with the Ligue 1 side since 2019, the Zimbabwe international has grown into a leader of the group, wearing the armband as recently as last Saturday.
Having consulted former Reims teammate Emmanuel Agbadou and international colleague Tawanda Chirewa before making the move, Munetsi received positive feedback which made the move a no-brainer on Monday.
On making the move to Wolves
“I’m delighted. It’s a dream come true for me. I’ve always wanted to be part of something big, and being part of Wolves is something that is very big for me, and is big for my family. It’s a team that I’ve also seen from afar, and the Premier League is the best place to be, so I’m delighted to join the family, to join the team.
“I’m very excited. It’s probably going to be the first time I’ve had a big opportunity to be representing a bigger club. Nothing against Reims, but now you’re going to be playing in the Premier League, playing for Wolves. Also, we have a greater population in England for Zimbabwean, I think I will feel even more at home than what I was doing in France.”
On his experiences in France
“The first time I got there, I didn’t think I would stay for that long, but considering what I went through with the club, I really enjoyed my time there, and I think now it’s probably the best time, because I’ve gained so much experience.
“Being in the French league is also very tough, probably not as much as the Premier League, but I think it’s also quite competitive with the clubs that we have. So, I think those games will come in handy once I make this move.”
On speaking to Chirewa and Abgadou
“Obviously, Tawanda messaged me as soon as he saw the news. He was so excited, so at least now he’s going to have his big brother there. So, it was very good. With Agba he did the same, because when he first came here, I was the one to welcome him. So, I think now it’s going to be his turn to welcome me.
“As Wolves have seen so far, what he provides for the team, the impact that he has, the energy, the strength, the physique, it’s something that you need in in every top team. So, besides that, also he’s a very good friend of mine. We’ve been very good friends for the past three years. So, I’m also looking forward to that.”
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