“All football goes through him” – Newcastle hero hails current Magpies star as club ‘idol’, ‘very loved’ by fans

Newcastle United hero Nolberto Solano has backed Bruno Guimaraes to join him in the Hall of Fame at the club in future, if he continues his current path.

Solano has been speaking to Infobae about his induction into Newcastle’s Hall of Fame, which was confirmed last week in a special ceremony.

The Peruvian managed 315 appearances for Newcastle, scoring 48 and assisting 78 in that time, after joining them in a €4m deal from Boca Juniors in July 1998.

Newcastle were by far the most significant club of his career, with him not managing to get anywhere near that figure with any of his other eight clubs. Indeed, even tallying up the numbers he managed for them does not get him close to his appearance tally for the Magpies.

It means he remains a firm fan favourite at St James Park, particularly as he was a member of the side that won the Intertoto Cup in 2006.

That status has now been recognised by the club, who inducted him into their Hall of Fame last week, putting him alongside icons such as Alan Shearer, Sir Bobby Robson and Kevin Keegan.

It’s an honour for Solano, who believes Bruno Guimaraes is a name that could be added to that list before long if he continues his current performances for Newcastle.

“It’s an honour, it’s a privilege,” he said.

“The truth is that here in England they highly value the footballer for all the service provided over the time. I didn’t expect it. I really take it with great humility, with courage. One feels proud and valued when receiving these kinds of awards.

“He (Guimaraes) is a very humble boy who has won over the fans in two years, he is the idol, and they love him very much here. These fans like the good player, the one with good footing. The truth is that he is a great footballer and I think that he will surely continue here for a long time and if he achieves it at some point, he will be recognized like me.

“He is on an important podium. All football goes through him. Every time Newcastle plays at home, I have the opportunity to watch him, and he is the player who carries the great responsibility.

“I think he is on the path; he raises the fans every time he makes a play, he has that passion as a Brazilian and that is very loved. Hopefully he can win something at the club.”