Wolves star Joao Gomes reveals that speech impediment made him feel ‘stuck and inferior’… as the Brazilian opens up on how he overcame a stammer in inspirational video

Wolves star Joao Gomes has opened up on overcoming a speech impediment which left him feeling ‘stuck and inferior’. 

The Brazilian has established him as a key player for Gary O’Neil’s side since completing a £15million move to Molineux in January 2023. 

Ahead of the new campaign, Gomes sat down with the club’s media team and discussed his fight to overcome a stammer.

And he explained how he has liberated himself from the fear that came with it. 

‘It used to be something that saddened me and kind of blocked me, you know?’ He said the club-titled The Pitbull documentary. ‘I’ve always wanted to express myself but I felt stuck and inferior.

The 23-year-old has become a crucial part of Gary O’Neil’s side since his signing from Flamengo in January 2023

‘Nowadays, I’m much more at peace with it and accept myself a lot more so I have more determination to speak out and express myself.

‘I obviously take longer to communicate but that’s something people have to respect.’

His compatriot Lucas Paqueta was quick to praise him for his honesty. 

‘You are different my brother! We look up to you. Very Much.’ The West Ham midfielder wrote on his Instagram story.

Since his move from boyhood club Flamengo, Gomes has made 45 appearances for Wolves, scoring three goals. His performances earned a call-up to the Brazil national team earlier this year. 

Gomes started all four games for the Selecao at this summer’s Copa America, on route to a quarter-final penalty shoot-out defeat by Uruguay. 

Gomes also heaped praise on his club manager O’Neil, who successfully led the side well clear of the pre-season relegation predictions in his first season. 

‘Gary has always been very understanding.’ He added. ‘Because he knows I left Brazil to come here and it’s a different country, a different culture, another way of playing.

Gomes was hailed by his Brazil national team colleague, West Ham star Lucas Paqueta

Gomes also heaped praise on the Wolves boss, who he claimed has given him a lot of confidence

‘He gave me a lot of confidence and he made me see that I can be a key player, not just someone people will forget about in two years’ time, but rather someone who can be remembered forever.

‘Let me tell you, he is the kind of guy who does everything for us, and I’ll do whatever it takes to help him.’