Muniz says last season was difficult after hamstring surgery and miscarriage

Rodrigo Muniz said last season was difficult and revealed his wife suffered a miscarriage after he scored Fulham's late equaliser in a 1-1 draw with Newcastle United on Saturday. It was his first league goal since Fulham's opening top-flight match of last season.

The 25-year-old Brazilian had an operation on a hamstring injury in November and was out until early February. "Last season was really difficult for me because, now I can say it, but I had the surgery," Muniz said. He also spoke openly about his family, saying: "My wife was pregnant last season and, unfortunately, we lost the baby, but God is good all the time and now she's pregnant again."

Muniz has found the net in cup competition this season, scoring in wins over AFC Wimbledon and West Ham in the Carabao Cup. His goal against Newcastle rescued a point for Fulham in the 1-1 draw on Saturday.

Overall for Fulham, Muniz has 19 goals and three assists in 86 Premier League appearances since joining from Flamengo in 2021. Those totals include his contributions across league and cup fixtures for the London club.

This season Muniz has made eight Premier League appearances under manager Alvaro Arbeloa, all of them coming off the bench. He said of his approach to selection: "I train hard every week to get opportunities to play and I want to play more."

On his chances and mindset, Muniz added: "I cannot control the gaffer, but I showed the gaffer I want to play more. I have to keep training hard, for him to say, 'OK, now is your time', and then I'm ready."

Reflecting on Saturday's goal and the season ahead, Muniz said: "The goal was for my baby, and I hope this season will be different than last season."