Wolves forward Hwang Hee-chan has opened up on his friendship with former teammate Raúl Jiménez ahead of South Korea's World Cup meeting with Mexico, admitting the clash will be a special occasion for both players.
The pair spent two seasons together at Molineux and developed a strong relationship both on and off the pitch. Now they are set to reunite on opposite sides when South Korea face Mexico on 18 June, with Hwang speaking warmly about the former Wolves striker in an interview with ESPN México.
Former Wolves teammates set for emotional reunion
While Wolves endured a disappointing campaign that ended in relegation to the Championship, several players with connections to the club remain involved at the World Cup.
For Hwang, one of the standout fixtures of the group stage carries extra meaning.
The South Korea international revealed he remained in contact with Jiménez and reflected on the partnership they built during their time together in the Midlands.
“Of course, I spoke with Raúl when we met in the last match,” Hwang said.
“During our time at Wolves we were very close. Thanks to that relationship on the pitch, I was even able to score a goal from one of his assists.
“That’s why it will be very special to see him again. Every time we met after matches we would usually talk. Having shared the pitch with such an important footballer is a great memory for me, and it will be very nice, as well as an honour, to meet him now as an opponent.”
Friendship stretched beyond the dressing room
Hwang also lifted the lid on the pair's relationship away from football, explaining that they regularly spent time together and often discussed both club and international football.
According to the Wolves forward, the friendship extended well beyond training sessions and matchdays.
“We always ate together, talked a lot away from the pitch and, of course, joked around a lot as well,” he explained.
“We used to joke that we would win, and we also talked about the situation of each national team and how qualifying had gone.”
The comments underline the bond that remains between the two players despite now representing rival nations on the international stage.
Hwang identifies Jiménez as Mexico's key threat
Friendship will be put to one side when the teams meet, however.
Jiménez recently became a free agent following his departure from Fulham, but Hwang believes the experienced striker remains one of Mexico's most influential figures.
“Raúl is a very intelligent player, with a great tactical understanding and an important influence within the group, so his teammates trusted him a lot,” Hwang added.
“Without doubt, he is one of the players we have to pay special attention to. He is a great player, although we also have many quality players in our squad.”
The South Korean even admitted that his experience of playing alongside Jiménez could help his national team prepare for the challenge ahead.
“That’s why I want to speak with my teammates about those details so we can win that match.”
What's next?
South Korea and Mexico will meet on 18 June in one of the more intriguing fixtures of the World Cup group stage. Hwang and Jiménez may share a strong friendship, but both will be determined to secure a crucial result for their countries as qualification for the knockout rounds comes into focus.
Can Hwang use his knowledge of Jiménez to South Korea's advantage, or will the former Wolves striker prove decisive for Mexico?
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