Rodrigo Muniz ends league goal drought and reveals difficult season

Rodrigo Muniz scored Fulham's equaliser in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Newcastle United, then spoke about a difficult previous season in which he underwent surgery and his wife suffered a miscarriage. BBC Sport reported that the Brazilian striker dedicated the goal to his baby after revealing that his wife is pregnant again.

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The Newcastle goal ended a lengthy wait for a Premier League strike. Muniz had not scored in the competition since Fulham's opening top-flight match of last season. Saturday's equaliser secured a draw for the London club and gave the 25-year-old a league goal to add to his cup contributions during the current campaign.

Muniz said his problems last season extended beyond the pitch. He needed an operation on a hamstring injury in November and did not return until early February. Speaking after the Newcastle match, he also disclosed the loss of his wife's pregnancy. He expressed hope that this season would be different, linking his goal celebration to the family's new pregnancy.

The forward has also been seeking more opportunities under Fulham manager Alvaro Arbeloa. All eight of his Premier League appearances this season have come as a substitute, according to the BBC. Muniz said he works hard each week to earn playing time and wanted to play more, while acknowledging that selection decisions remain with the manager.

His response was to emphasise preparation rather than claim a place in the starting side. Muniz said he needed to continue training hard so he would be ready whenever Arbeloa gave him an opportunity. He regarded his contribution against Newcastle as a demonstration to the manager of his desire for greater involvement, alongside the personal significance of the goal.

Although Saturday brought his first league goal since last season's opener, Muniz had already scored in Fulham's Carabao Cup victories over AFC Wimbledon and West Ham this season. Since arriving from Flamengo in 2021, he has recorded 19 goals and three assists in 86 Premier League appearances for Fulham, the BBC reported.