AliousWolves striker Matheus Cunha has opened up about the emotional toll of missing out on Brazil’s squad for the 2022 World Cup, revealing that the disappointment pushed him into a difficult mental state.
A Devastating Setback**
In an interview with *BBC Football Focus*, Cunha admitted that being left out of the tournament in Qatar deeply affected him, leading to what he described as a period of “depression.” The forward had made his senior debut for Brazil just a year earlier but was ultimately overlooked when the final squad was announced.
A Struggling Career at the Time**
Cunha’s omission came during a challenging spell at Atletico Madrid, where he had been struggling to justify the hefty transfer fee paid for him in 2021 after leaving Hertha BSC. Following the World Cup snub, he never played for Atletico again and secured a loan move to Wolves in January 2023. Just months later, the deal became permanent, and he has since transformed into one of the Premier League’s most promising forwards.
Cunha Reflects on His Emotional Struggles**
“It was the first big break for my mental health in my career,” Cunha admitted. “For a Brazilian, the World Cup means everything. If you get the chance to play, you make your family and your country incredibly proud. But when you don’t, it feels like everything you worked for was for nothing. It felt like a depression. When I got home, I cried. I shared all my emotions with those who truly care about me.”
What’s Next for Cunha?**
After a standout spell at Wolves, the Brazilian forward has become a target for several clubs. Nottingham Forest showed interest in January, and with his Wolves contract including a reasonable release clause, speculation over a potential move continues. Arsenal has been frequently linked with the 25-year-old, and with their need for attacking reinforcements, a summer move could be on the horizon.
Alious
