Mario Lemina shares personal sacrifice he made for Wolves in emotional post-match interview

Mario Lemina has dedicated Wolves’ 2-1 win over Chelsea to his father who is recovering in hospital.

The 30-year-old opened the scoring in the Christmas Eve win against the Blues at Molineux. He opened the scoring in the 51st minute with an accurate header before Matt Doherty doubled the lead in the third minute of added time. Christopher Nkunku made for a nervy final few minutes but Gary O’Neil’s side held on. 

Lemina was awarded the Player of the Match by Sky Sports, and his post-match interview revealed the personal sacrifice he made to play in the match. His father has been in hospital for the last two months surrounded by his family, whilst the Gabon international has played on for Wolves.

In an emotional post-match interview with Sky Sports, he said: “I’m getting used to scoring now. I have to find a signature (celebration. 

“By the way I wanted to pass on a message for my dad.He’s been in hospital for two months now.

“He’s struggling, he’s in hospital, I have all |my family around him now, and I wanted to be around him but I am here to do my work. Dad keep pushing, and we are altogether.”

Lemina was wished well by Sky Sports interviewer Gary Cotterill, as well as presenter Kelly Cates in the studio. He commented on the atmosphere at Molineux, and expressed his hopes for their match against Brentford. 

“It’s amazing,” said Lemina on the win. The support that we got here is fantastic. 

“We just push all the time and I hope we can do the same away because we are struggling a little bit away. We are still happy to make this kind of performance in front of our supporters, amazing.

Gary O’Neil conducted a team talk with Lemina, Pablo Sarabia, Hwang Hee-chan and Joao Games. It was a moment that described as the catalyst for change, and from then Wolves performance went up a gear.

Lemina added: “He just changed a little bit of the tactics. He works really well, and we pushed on from this moment. We deserve this win I think.”