Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes has opened up on Brazil's World Cup round of 16 exit to Norway and called it the saddest day of his life
Sean McCormick Sport Content Editor
09:23, 08 Jul 2026Updated 09:27, 08 Jul 2026
Bruno Guimaraes saw Brazil crash out of the World Cup
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Bruno Guimaraes saw Brazil crash out of the World Cup
Arsenal transfer target Bruno Guimaraes has labelled Brazil's World Cup elimination at the hands of Norway as the 'saddest day' of his life in a heartfelt statement to fans - and says 'it is now time to reflect'.
The five-time champions suffered a 2-1 defeat in New York on Sunday, with Erling Haaland netting twice before Neymar pulled one back from the spot late on.
Guimaraes, however, had a first-half penalty kept out by Orjan Nyland that would have put Brazil ahead, and the Newcastle midfielder looked devastated at the final whistle as his World Cup aspirations ended in heartbreak.
The result sent Norway through to Saturday's quarter-final clash with England in Miami instead of Carlo Ancelotti's men, and the Magpies skipper has now spoken candidly about the anguish he has experienced in the days following the elimination.
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"I've written and deleted so many times I've lost count," Guimaraes said via Chronicle Live. "I have always been present here in victories, nothing fairer than introducing myself and not running away from talking to you in defeat.
"Football, which gave me everything I have, is being responsible for making me feel the worst pain of my 28 years of life. Losing the penalty and being eliminated in the round of 16 is hard, it is suffered, it hurts a lot, but it will be another obstacle to overcome.
"I have been through so much only I know . . . I'm sure that no matter how worst I'm feeling right now, everything will pass. The craziest part of all this was coming home from the saddest day of my life and the first thing my kids said when I woke up was: 'Daddy, let's play ball?'".
"And here I understood that regardless of bad or good days, football will always be my great love. I take responsibility, as I always did, and it's not now that it would be any different. So sad how it ended, but sure God knows all.
"I have given you glory in victory and I will give you glory in defeat. Thank you Jesus for the opportunity. The dream is not over. He is still alive in my heart and in the hearts of thousands of others who love our country.
"Time now to reflect, regain my strength with my family and come back even stronger."
The midfielder now has approximately three weeks' rest before reporting back to Newcastle for pre-season preparations ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Despite widespread speculation surrounding his future, with Premier League champions Arsenal showing interest, the Magpies have made it abundantly clear the 28-year-old is not available for transfer.