Matheus Cunha insists he has high expectations for both himself and Wolves following almost a year at Molineux, as the Brazilian turns his attention to representing his national team this week.
The forward will hope to feature in Brazil’s World Cup qualifier against Venezuela this evening, but he has been a key member of Gary O’Neil’s plans this season, and Cunha admits he is loving life under the head coach.
On representing his country
“You can’t help dreaming about it. Deep down, it’s the Brazil national team that made you want to be a footballer. To make your people proud, to give joy to all those who look for it in football – as there is a lot of hardship in Brazil.
“My dream is winning the World Cup with Brazil. I’m crazy about the Brazil national team.
“They represent your people. It’s everything you always wanted. The greatest achievement in my career was winning the Olympic Games gold medal. I’m very proud of that.”
On his first year at Wolves
“It’s amazing. It’s amazing to play here, it’s amazing to play in the Premier League. It’s amazing to have the teammates I have, to play in the best league in the world.
“It’s a very pleasing experience. For me, it was a choice. This was the best path I could take and my expectations are high.
“I think we have a great team, as shown in the game against Manchester City. Against Man United, we also played very well, and even against Liverpool.
“Personally, I want to accomplish something big but, of course, putting my personal objectives in service of the team, because the team is the most important and the way to go is together. Together, we can leave a mark in this club.”
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On his relationship with O’Neil
“It’s great. He came at a very challenging time, where there were more questions than answers, and he handled the situation well.
“Now, little by little, he’s been moulding the team in his image, and I feel he’s a guy who is there to help everyone out.
“He’s a lot more than a manager, I think he’s an incredible person, who is always trying to help us, and we take that with us onto the pitch. People like him infuse you with extra energy.”
On the bonds of the dressing room
“I spend a lot of time with the French gang. I get along very well with the lads. I’m always joking with them – Rayan [Ait-Nouri] and Mario [Lemina] – but, of course, Joao [Gomes] is Brazilian like me and I’m always winding him up.
“But I think I’m a guy who gets along with everyone because I speak many languages, I joke with everyone all the time, having a laugh with everyone.
“I’m the guy who belongs to all the gangs: the Latin one, the French one, the South American one and I’ve been checking in with the English gang to see if I can learn a little English. The Portuguese lads are wonderful too. I don’t belong to just one gang.”
Every Dawson block, every Neto skill, every Cunha pass.
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On being adapted to English culture
“It’s unique – a lot different from Brazil. I’m just getting to know it, I haven’t been here for long – not even a year, but little by little, I’m getting acquainted and adapting.
“But it’s certainly a unique culture, with some very interesting aspects to it, but also a few that are too unique for me. But it was a lot easier to settle here than in Germany, and people here made a great impression on me.
“I thought they’d be more stand-offish, when in fact, they’ve been very warm, friendly and helpful. So, the English people made a very positive impression both on me and my family.”
On future aims
“Thankfully, I have my gold medal, but I want to win the Copa America with Brazil. I want to win the Premier League, the World Cup, unquestionably and the Champions League.
“I'll do my best to achieve that. I know it's very tough – my dreams are not easy to fulfil, but it’s free to dream. I'll work hard every day and, well, tomorrow belongs to God.”
