Wolves fans are bracing themselves for the imminent departure of Raul Jimenez to Fulham - a transfer that will leave a big hole in the hearts of the gold and black faithful.

The old saying 'it's better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all', has never been more apt at this moment.

The departure of Ruben Neves was bathed in inevitability, and sadly, so too is the exit of Jimenez.

For a whole generation of Wolves fans who weren't around to see Steve Bull like some of us did, this was their hero up front and the only player to come close to Bully.

That early partnership with Jota, was arguably on a par with Andy Mutch and Bully in their pomp. Jimenez was a crucial part in the Wolves story and a player that was taken to the hearts of the fans like no other.

Raul Jimenez celebrates a goal for Wolverhampton Wanderers
Raul Jimenez celebrates a goal for Wolverhampton Wanderers

A versatile player with brilliant technique, a quick turn of pace, and a poacher's eye for goal - he was the well rounded striker the club had been crying out for.

A man whose 'Si Senor' chant sent a jolt down the spine and injected something special into the old stadium.

The influence of the Mexican was seen all around Molineux, from the party atmosphere of the sombreros and wrestling masks, to the club even introducing a third kit themed around his homeland.

He was a player whose goals were always crucial, whose smile was always there, and whose heart was always on the field. Like Neves, he is an icon that encapsulated an important era.

He was of course struck by that potentially career-ending head injury, yet bravely, and remarkably came back to lead the line.

Perhaps never the same player again, but still a danger and still giving 100%, and he can still be a top player for Fulham.

It turned a little sour for Jimenez last season, you could see he was crying out to be involved, and to many it didn't make sense that he wasn't.

He leaves Wolves for a good fee, with a few years ahead of him, but more importantly, he leaves a legacy at Molineux that will be etched in the history books.

Sometimes footballers are more than just footballers in the eyes of a fanbase.

Si, Senor.