**[Manchester City](https://sportwitness.co.uk/category/premier-league/manchester-city/) midfielder Matheus Nunes says he is now comfortable playing almost anywhere on the pitch after spending much of last season filling in at right-back under Pep Guardiola.**
The Portugal international was regularly deployed in defence by Guardiola during the 2025-26 campaign, despite having built his career as a central midfielder.
National team manager Roberto Martínez has also experimented with him in the role, including during Portugal’s March training camp.
Speaking to [**Record**](https://www.record.pt/) from Portugal’s World Cup camp, Nunes made it clear he no longer sees himself as tied to a single position.
_“I feel I can play in many positions. I don’t have a preference.”_
The 27-year-old suggested versatility has become one of the strengths of both Portugal and his own game.
_“It’s the manager’s choice. We have full-backs who can play as centre-backs, midfielders. We have very versatile players. We have to be ready to play in any position.”_
That adaptability has become increasingly important for Guardiola, who relied on Nunes in several roles throughout the season as City battled on multiple fronts. It now appears Martínez could do the same as Portugal pursue what would be a first World Cup title.
**Brazil remains close despite Portugal choice**
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Matheus Nunes then found himself answering questions about his Brazilian roots, a topic that continues to follow him despite being an established Portugal international.
Born in Rio de Janeiro before moving to Portugal as a teenager, he insisted his connection to Brazil remains as strong as ever.
_“The bond is very strong. Whenever I have time during the holidays, I go there. I always go to Rio. I’ve also been to Porto de Galinhas with Ederson. I have a lot of family living there._
_“I have friends from Rio who are coming to the USA to watch the matches. I love the culture. I listen to Brazilian music. I will never lose those ties. I also have ties with Portugal. I’m half-and-half.”_
Nunes admitted that choosing Portugal over Brazil was not an easy decision.
_“It was difficult to make the decision to choose Portugal”_, he revealed. _“But in football, I owe more to Portugal than to Brazil. It was where I lived during the period when I started playing seriously. In Brazil, I was never registered with a club. I am very proud to have chosen Portugal.”_
The former Sporting and Wolverhampton player even revealed a potential World Cup final between Portugal and Brazil would divide his own family.
_“My relatives in Brazil would probably support Brazil. My mother would support Portugal. She had a very strong opinion regarding my choice.”_
**From non-league to Manchester City**
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Matheus Nunes also reflected on the path that took him from the lower levels of Portuguese football to one of the biggest clubs in the world.
The midfielder began with non-league side Ericeirense before progressing through Estoril, Sporting, Wolves and eventually Manchester City.
_“I dreamed it could happen. I worked very hard. Now I’m very proud of my journey. I worked with my head down trying to become better. I always had a circle around me that gave me a lot of support. A lot of what I am is because of them.”_
_“It’s very good to be here. It’s the pinnacle for any player.”_
For a player who arrived in Portugal at 13 years old and was once playing regional football with Ericeirense, becoming a Manchester City regular and a World Cup player is precisely the journey he imagined.