Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes says he is enjoying his starring role at the club and hopes to become a legend there one day.
The Brazilian, who joined the Magpies for £40m back in January to kick off the club’s free-spending new era, has become the lynchpin of Eddie Howe’s side and has earned acclaim for his role in helping the team to sixth place in the Premier League.
Newcastle were in the relegation zone when Guimaraes joined and the 24-year-old has been central to the club’s success in climbing the league table over the course of the year.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Guimaraes admitted the decision to come to England had not been an easy one but said he had no regrets.
“I think it was one of the most difficult decisions of my life,” said Guimaraes. “To change country, to change leagues, and in a World Cup year as well.
“It was a really hard decision, but I think it was the right one. I’m so happy. It’s an amazing step. I feel like a Geordie now.
“I always dreamed of playing in the Premier League but, honestly, I never thought it could be this good. I’m proud of what I’m doing, of myself and of the club, but it was a difficult choice.”
Despite the fanfare surrounding his signing, Guimaraes was eased into Premier League life, with Howe opting to use him as a substitute for the first few games of his Premier League career.
“To be honest, when I started those games on the bench, I sometimes thought, ‘Oh my gosh, what am I doing with my life?'” joked Guimaraes. “No, no, I’m joking. Of course, it’s never easy to stay on the bench, but I think Eddie made the best decision.
“It was good for my adaptation to the club, to the Premier League, and to get to know my team-mates. Then, afterwards, when I started to play, it was like a dream.”
Since then, Bruno has forced his way into the starting XI at St James’ Park, ranking among the best in the league for through balls, tackled and fouls won and earning comparisons to the likes of Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira.
“For sure, it’s always a pleasure to hear things like that,” said Guimaraes. “It is one more motivation, but this is only my first full season at Newcastle. There is a long way to go. I love playing here, I love to bond with the fans, and I want to become a legend here.”
With less than a month to go until the World Cup, Guimaraes will be keen to keep impressing for Newcastle and earn himself a place in Brazil’s squad for the tournament. The Magpies travel to Spurs on Sunday, looking to extend an unbeaten run that began back in August.
Credit: 90min.com
