Wolves star Lemina fights back tears in emotional message to his dad in hospital

24 December 2023 , 15:39

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Mario Lemina applauding the Wolves crowd (Image: PA)

Wolves star Mario Lemina dedicated his player of the match award from the victory over Chelsea to his father, who has been in hospital.

The Gabonese midfielder headed home his team's opener against Mauricio Pochettino's side, scoring for the third time this season in the Premier League. Matt Doherty added a second for Gary O'Neil's side in second-half stoppage-time, before Christopher Nkunku headed home an even later consolation on his Premier League debut for the visitors.

After the game, Sky Sports interviewed the hosts' two goalscorers. Lemina was asked about his celebration, having scored three league goals in one season for the first time in his career. The former Juventus star explained the situation affecting his father before accepting his Player of the Match award from team-mate Doherty.

"I'm getting used to scoring now so I need a signature celebration," an emotional Lemina said. "I want to pass a message to my dad who is in hospital. Keep pushing and we are all together."

"Beautiful words from Lemina to his father who is currently ill," one fan wrote on social media after watching the interview. "He would have been more than proud of that performance today."

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"Mario Lemina doing his father proud," was the verdict from another Wolves supporter. "Not sure whether or not he's had the ability to watch many of our recent games, but I sincerely hope he has. Ran the show once again for us."

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Mario Lemina headed Wolves in front against Chelsea (PA)

Wolves moved level with Chelsea on 22 points after their victory. The 2-1 win helped extend their unbeaten home run in the league to seven games, while it was the third time this season Lemina has helped his side claim points at home after he scored in a draw with Newcastle and delivered a late winner against Spurs.

"The kind of atmosphere that's generated around the stadium. Our record against top six teams is good," fellow scorer Doherty said. "We've beaten most of them here and away. We're doing really well."

Next up for Wolves is a trip to Brentford on December 27, while Everton are the next team to visit Molineux on December 30. Chelsea host Crystal Palace on Boxing Day before travelling to Luton in their final fixture of 2023.

Tom Victor