Bruno Guimaraes of Newcastle United
Bruno Guimaraes of Newcastle United(Image: Getty Images)
Bruno Guimaraes has insisted that gaining the captaincy in the 2024/25 season has not changed him despite becoming the first man since Bob Moncur to lift a trophy for the Magpies and becoming one of a select few to lead the club on to Europe’s top table.
When Bruno succeeded Jamaal Lascelles as team captain last summer – also taking the armband off Kieran Trippier in the process – the decision raised a few eyebrows on Tyneside.
Many assumed Eddie Howe’s intentions were to help fend off a move to Man City or Arsenal by making Bruno a bigger part of things behind the scenes.
But would he make a good captain? The fact that Newcastle’s trophy drought has been consigned to the trash can of history answers that very question.
Asked if the armband had changed him, Bruno told The Chronicle: “I think I have been the same Bruno for the three, four years I have been here. I always try to give my best. This is a good question for the fans, not for me. I’m just enjoying myself.
“I’m always the same Bruno, the humble guy who came from Brazil. My role is helping the team and play my best, always. When I put the shirt on I try to play as a fan.
"I will never stop what I’m doing for this club. You know it’s a reason to me to be proud to wear this shirt.”
Yet Bruno has bags of respect for the man he replaced in Lascelles. The former Nottingham Forest and England Under-21 defender has spent much of the season on the treatment table with a long-term knee injury but his guidance behind the scenes never went away.
Bruno said: “Jamaal is the true captain. I have been learning a lot with him. He was always massive for us. Always there to try to help the boys. So it has been unbelievable to have him back.”
With the season over, Bruno planned to fly on holiday with his young family before getting recharged for the new season ahead.
The Brazil international is eager to ensure that the trophy lift at Wembley is not his or the team’s last. “We’re all so hungry for more,” he promised.
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