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Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes emotionally told NewcastleWorld how he “plays like a fan” - but wants more success at St James’ Park.
Bruno Guimaraes has vowed to deliver more for Newcastle United supporters despite etching his name into club folklore.
Few players epitomise the Saudi-backed era than Newcastle’s magisterial Brazilian. He was the first foreign star to arrive for a big-money fee when the Magpies were hurtling towards relegation.
Guimaraes joined a Toon side sitting 19th in the table and staring at relegation to the Championship. Admittedly, the 27-year-old knew little about Newcastle but was determined to experience Premier League football and join the ambitious project.
Arriving with little English, Guimaraes immersed himself into St James’ Park life and swiftly became a fan favourite. Fast forward to the present and the midfielder now boasts iconic status on Tyneside.
He is on the brink of securing Champions League qualification for the second time - just eight weeks after captaining Newcastle to their first domestic trophy for 70 years. However, Guimaraes is keen to make success a regular theme at St James’ Park.
Bruno Guimaraes wants more Newcastle United success
“For me, I'm always the same Bruno,” he told NewcastleWorld. “The guy who came from Brazil. Humble. I always want to help the team. I think my role in this club is to help the team play its best. Always, when I put the shirt on, I try to play as a fan.
“So I will never stop what I'm doing for this club. It's a reason for me to be proud to wear this shirt. I have been the same Bruno in the three, four years I have been here. I always try to give my best.
“I feel the same as the fans. We know that, three years ago, the team never fought for the Champions League. Everything was a little bit not good for the club and now we achieved a lot for this club. But it's not enough. I think this city, this team deserves more.”
Bruno Guimaraes tells Newcastle United teammates to ‘dream big’
Guimaraes urged his Toon teammates to “dream big” after beating Chelsea to take a huge stride towards Champions League qualification. His goal in stoppage time eased the pressure levels inside the ground as the Magpies edged out a 10-man rival for top five.
“My message for the boys is, of course, winning the Cup was massive for us, but it's not enough,” Guimaraes added. “We want more. We want to play Champions League next season. It's not a secret for anyone. We want more for this club.
“We have to dream big. And start from here, start to win the cups, start to qualify for the Champions League. I think the future is bright for this club.”
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Eddie Howe impressed by Bruno Guimaraes as captain
Eddie Howe’s decision to name Guimaraes as captain came under fire when Newcastle hit an early-season wobble. Nobody is questioning the call now - with the Brazilian standing alongside greats like Joe Harvey and Alan Shearer as all-time United skippers.
“I think Bruno’s done well this year,” Howe said in February. “It’s a big change. The captaincy brings its own challenges for any player. I think you need a slightly different mindset when you have the armband, having experienced it myself.
“But I think he’s adapted really well. What he has done well, as well, is that he’s leant on other people, it hasn’t just been about him. I think he’s empowered the people around him to help him.”
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