Matheus Nunes Optimistic About Ruben Dias' Fitness Ahead of World Cup Opener
Nunes Discusses Team Dynamics and Preparation
Florida [US], June 16: As Portugal gears up for their FIFA World Cup debut against DR Congo, star player Matheus Nunes expressed his hopes for the fitness of his Manchester City teammate, Ruben Dias, ahead of the crucial match set for Wednesday.
Having trained separately from the main squad for reasons not disclosed, Dias' condition has raised concerns among fans regarding his participation in the Group K encounter in Houston.
In a statement before the match, Nunes remarked, “We definitely want him (Dias) in every match because he plays a vital role. He is my teammate at City, and we all recognize his significance to the national team. He is a leader and a strong voice both in the locker room and beyond. I truly hope he is fit for the opening game and the remainder of the World Cup.”
Nunes also addressed the media's scrutiny regarding Portugal's late arrival in the US and their choice to utilize beach facilities for training in Florida, describing it as a strategic part of their acclimatization process.
“We visit the beach in the mornings to adjust to the climate, which is quite different from Manchester, where I spend most of the year. The sun and heat here are significant changes. It’s completely normal for us to do this; it shouldn’t seem like we’re prioritizing beach time over training. We train normally in the afternoons after our beach sessions,” he explained.
As a versatile player, Nunes provides coach Roberto Martinez with the option to deploy him as either a full-back or midfielder.
“I feel comfortable in both roles. After nearly a season and a half playing as a full-back, I’m well-acquainted with the responsibilities that come with it,” he stated.
“I’ve also played on the left wing and in various other positions, so I believe I can adapt to any role. At this moment, I don’t have a strong preference,” he added.
Having moved from Brazil to Portugal at the age of 12, Nunes chose to represent Portugal after being called up by Brazil in 2021, expressing gratitude for the opportunities Portugal has provided him.
“I feel a connection to both countries—I am Portuguese and Brazilian. However, in terms of football, I owe much more to Portugal, as it has given me the chance to become who I am today. Portugal opened the doors for me. Although it was a challenging journey, I am proud to have chosen Portugal and thrilled to represent them,” he concluded.