Manchester City Midfielder Matheus Nunes says he is now comfortable playing almost anywhere on the pitch after spending most of last season at right-back under Pep Guardiola.
Despite making his career as a central midfielder, the Portugal international was regularly deployed in defense by Guardiola during the 2025–26 campaign.
National team manager Roberto Martínez has also experimented with him in the role, including during Portugal's March training camp.
talking to record From Portugal's World Cup camp, Nunes made it clear that he no longer sees himself tied to one place.
"I think I can play multiple positions. I don't have a preference."
The 27-year-old's 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 has relied on Nunes in a number of roles throughout the season as City fought on multiple fronts. Now it appears Martínez could do the same as Portugal aim for their first World Cup title.
Brazil remains close despite Portugal's choice
Matheus Nunes then found himself answering questions about his Brazilian roots, a topic that continues to haunt him despite being an established Portugal international.
Born in Rio de Janeiro before moving to Portugal as a teenager, he insists his connection with Brazil is as strong as ever.
"The bond is very strong. During the holidays whenever I have time, I go there. I always go to Rio. I've also been to Porto de Galinhas with Ederson. A lot of my family lives 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.
"The decision to choose Portugal was difficult"He revealed. "But in football, I owe more to Portugal than to Brazil. It is where I lived during the period when I started playing seriously. In Brazil, I was never registered with any club. I am very proud of choosing Portugal."
The former Sporting and Wolverhampton player even revealed that a potential World Cup final between Portugal and Brazil would tear his own family apart.
"My relatives in Brazil would probably support Brazil. My mother would support Portugal. She had very strong opinions about my choice."
From non-league to Manchester City
Matheus Nunes also reflects on the path that took him from the bottom tier of Portuguese football to one of the biggest clubs in the world.
The midfielder started out with non-league side Ericerien before progressing through Estoril, Sporting, Wolves and eventually Manchester City.
"I dreamed this could happen. I worked very hard. Now I'm very proud of my journey. I worked with my head down trying to get better. I always had a circle around me that supported me a lot. Whatever I am is because of them."
"It's great to be here. It's the pinnacle for any player."
For a player who came to Portugal at the age of 13 and was once playing regional football with Arireense, becoming a Manchester City regular and World Cup player is exactly the journey he had imagined.
