Man Utd star Matheus Cunha was not handed the Brazil shirt number he expected for this summer's World Cup.
Cunha is representing Brazil at the World Cup.
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Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha has reiterated he is not bothered about which shirt number he wears for Brazil's national team. Cunha was set to be handed Brazil's famous No.10 shirt for the World Cup, provided that Neymar was not included in their squad for the tournament.
Neymar has struggled to return to top fitness since he tore his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) three years ago. His inclusion in Brazil's squad was seen as unlikely, but he was selected by Carlo Ancelotti for the first time.
Brazil's top goalscorer, Neymar, was handed the No.10 shirt, meaning Cunha was given the No.9 shirt for the World Cup, something he has played down when he's spoken to the Brazilian media at the tournament.
“At my club, this is very normal [playing as a No.9], and I feel grateful for everything," Cunha told TV Globo. "I would do anything to be here, regardless of the shirt. I try to see the glass half full, so many great players have worn this shirt and performed well, I'm just another one trying to make history by scoring goals.
“The weight of the jersey is part of it. Seeing Brazil united behind the national team, so many streets are decorated. It's about wearing the jersey, understanding the weight it carries, and knowing it's a privilege.”
Although Cunha was given the No.9 shirt, he was named on the bench for Brazil's opening game against Morocco. He subsequently started down the middle against Haiti and scored a brace in a 3-0 win.
"I think I've become tougher, more mature [after being on the bench], and I'm trying to live in the moment," he said. "The dream of being here is huge, I did everything to be here at the last World Cup, and God blessed me with being here, which is something I've always dreamed of.
"We haven't achieved anything yet, but it's good to feel like you're in the World Cup and celebrating a victory."
Brazil struggled in their draw against Morocco, but looked better with Cunha in the starting XI in their second World Cup clash against Haiti.
Ancelotti reacted: “It was what I expected. A game with fewer mistakes, more effectiveness in attack, more control in defence. Defensively, it was also a good game. We have improved, and we will improve in the next game."
Cunha recently reflected on his season with United, saying: “I think it has been a positive season for the club. We have managed to get United back into the Champions League, and we hope to continue on this upward trajectory next season. We have a lot of confidence in our work.
“From day one I felt comfortable and was very well received by the players, the staff, and the fans. I managed to find the necessary peace of mind to give my best on the pitch, and that allowed me to have an excellent season. I am very happy and I hope to continue helping the club achieve great things.
“We’re going to work hard to do justice to the shirt we wear and to the club’s rich history. That’s our promise to the fans. We want next season to be a season of triumphs.”
Cunha contributed 10 goals and four assists in his debut season at United.