As Newcastle United star Bruno Guimarães prepares to play his first World Cup, this week he had a long interview with UOL to talk about what brought him to the peak of his career.
Every time the midfielder speaks of the Magpies, he mentions the incredible support he gets from the club’s fans. And it was no different this time, with him highlighting the affection he’s been getting since joining the St. James’ Park side.
“I think that speaking the language of the country where I’m playing and always wanting to be better on the field are ways of showing respect for the club and the fans. Even more so after I started living here in Newcastle. Guys are crazy about me, I swear. It’s a little similar to what Athletico fans did, but maybe a little more. I had never experienced this,” Bruno Guimarães told UOL.
“I was recently told that 70% of team jersey sales are in my name. I’ve seen people with tattoos of my face, flags with my face, music. I hit a half metre pass and they sing ‘Bruno, Bruno’. There’s my shirt all over town. Wherever I go on the street, I take a picture, I feel like a mayor. Guys scream my name. I don’t understand, but I’m happy.
“I mean, actually I can understand a little bit. They are fans who weren’t used to seeing national team players on the team and now it’s changed from water to wine. It’s a team with a huge crowd, the most fanatical in England, and they were suffering.”
Bruno Guimarães also discussed the change of level that Newcastle have been having since the takeover, claiming he knows why he gets such impressive treatment from fans. He also talked about the clubs’ signing policy, insisting they must continue to look for the right mentality instead of going after the most hyped players.
“The way I agreed to come to the club was also something remarkable. Today anyone wants to come to Newcastle, the richest team in the world, but I arrived with the team doing bad, pointed out as virtually relegated. Trippier and I were the first to believe in the project, so fans have a special affection. I think Newcastle need players with that mentality, it’s not about signing everyone just because they have money. It’s not bringing Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Mbappé. It’s not like this.”
“That’s why I try to reciprocate with my best, it’s a form of gratitude. The least I can do is learn the language to try to talk to the fan when he wants to take a picture.”
Since joining Newcastle in a €42m move from Lyon in January, Bruno Guimarães has 31 appearances for the club. The higher level shown by him in the Premier League is what guaranteed his spot in the World Cup squad, as these days it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him getting many minutes in Qatar.
