Brazil fans are desperate for Endrick to start, and Matheus Cunha has made a heartfelt offer to support the teenage sensation. After scoring a brace in Brazil's 3-0 thrashing of Haiti in Philadelphia, the Manchester United star spoke warmly about his young teammate.
Cunha's Praise for Endrick
“In fact, he already is, but I hope he remains on those lists for a long time. He's a boy who has already brought a lot of pride to the Brazilian people, playing for Palmeiras and also for the national team,” Cunha said. “His qualities are very clear. Because he's younger, we're always joking around with him, but he's a very humble boy who's always asking for advice. I'm incredibly proud to be part of a group that has people like that. He's a great player and I hope he helps us a lot. And let him and his family be assured that, whenever they need me, I will help them with the greatest pride possible.”
Endrick's Response to Ancelotti
Endrick, who replaced Cunha during the match, is eager to make an impression but does not want to pressure manager Carlo Ancelotti. He explained: “Ancelotti, I spent a year with him at Real Madrid. He knows what I do when I come on, I give my life for the team. A great coach, he has a good head on his shoulders, he's not going to do what's best for Endrick, for the fans, he's going to do what's best for the team. I'm grateful to have him in my life, he knows I'll give my all every day, he knows I'll 'eat grass,' I'll really work hard. He knows I work hard, my game is always the last one. The coach knows very well that I can help the team. Seeing what the fans do for me, I'm very grateful.”
Endrick, who registered eight goals and eight assists during a recent six-month loan spell with Lyon, entered the field to a rapturous reception. The clamour for him to start is now stronger than ever, even with Neymar on the comeback trail.
Cunha's Emotional Night
While Endrick made his World Cup debut, the night belonged to Cunha. The emotional ex-Wolves attacker, 27, added: “I'm ecstatic, that's the truth. Everything I've ever asked God for is happening. Sometimes a difficult moment, pre-World Cup, generates those doubts, and after the first game in this one I had the chance to be a starter, to score two goals in a World Cup. I saw my mother, my wife crying, I wanted to cry too. But everything will be alright.”
