Bruno Guimaraes has broken his silence after missing a penalty in Brazil’s surprise 2-1 defeat to Norway on Saturday.
Bruno Guimaraes has vowed to “come back stronger” after Brazil’s shock World Cup exit to Norway.
Erling Haaland put Carlo Ancelotti’s side to the sword in brutal fashion with a late brace at the MetLife Stadium. His clinical double sent a warning to England ahead of this weekend’s quarter-final.
Earlier in the game, Newcastle United skipper Guimaraes missed a first-half penalty to deny Brazil a lead. As a result, he has copped a lot of flak in his native country following their unlikely early exit.
‘Dream not over’ - Bruno Guimaraes
Taking 48 hours to reflect on the game, Guimaraes has now posted an emotional statement to Brazil supporters. Newcastle’s official Instagram account - as well as club teammates like Nick Woltemade - showed their support in the comments.
"I've written and deleted so many times I've lost count," Guimaraes wrote. "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."
Bruno Guimaraes transfer interest
It is understood that Arsenal are weighing up a potential summer swoop for the Toon talisman. Guimaraes is weighing up his options after watching Newcastle sell Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali.
The Magpies do not want - or need - to cash in after fetching £170million for the duo. St James’ Park chiefs must now prove to Guimaraes - now in the peak of his career - that the Newcastle project is still alive.
Ewan Jaouen and Bazoumana Toure have arrived as the Magpies turn to youth this summer. Both players are 20, with 18-year-old Sean Steur also set to arrive from Ajax in the coming days.
More incomings are expected as Newcastle aim to rebuild after finishing 12th last season. For Guimaraes, further arrivals - and a bumper new contract - could be needed to keep the potential sitors at bay.
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