Bruno Guimaraes is considering his Newcastle United future following his World Cup exit.
Guimaraes squandered the opportunity to give Brazil an early lead in their 2-1 last-16 defeat to Norway after his spot-kick was kept out by goalkeeper Orjan Nyland.
The 28-year-old midfielder was later substituted, just moments before Erling Haaland put Norway ahead in the 79th minute. Halaand then doubled the lead before another penalty saw Neymar pull one back in stoppage time.
Bruno Guimaraes issues emotional statement
Guimaraes’ devastation also comes at a time when his future at Newcastle is uncertain. The Gazette reported last month that Guimaraes was open to leaving, and fresh reports in the last 24 hours claim he has now informed the club that he wants to move to Premier League rivals Arsenal.
The Magpies do not want to sell their skipper, who effectively has three years left on his contract. His current deal expires in 2028 but the club hold an option for a further year.
Amid the noise, Guimaraes released a lengthy statement in the aftermath of his penalty miss.
“I've written and deleted so many times I've lost count,” Guimaraes wrote on Instagram. “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 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 agent responds
Guimaraes’ post attracted plenty of support in the comments, including from Newcastle’s official account and teammate Nick Woltemade, who also missed his penalty in Germany’s shock shootout defeat to Paraguay.
But one person Newcastle fans won’t be keen to hear from at the moment - unless positive, of course - is Guimaraes’ agent, Alexis Malavolta. He, alongside fellow agents Kia Joorabchian and Giuliano Bertolucci, are the driving force behind the player’s potential exit.
Arsenal are yet to make direct contact with Newcastle over Guimaraes.
Malavolta replied: “You are giant my brother. Today's pain does not erase your history or everything you represent for Brazil. You honoured that shirt with dedication, courage and heart.
“Have faith: You will come back much stronger and still be very honoured for all you are building.
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