Bruno Guimaraes has dismissed lingering rumours linking him with a move to Manchester City, reaffirming his commitment to “the club I love” Newcastle United while also admitting he is a long way away from peak physical condition.
Having been promoted to Newcastle’s leadership group this summer – both a reflection of his importance in the squad and a concerted attempt to “love bomb” a player courted by some of Europe’s top clubs – Guimaraes captained the 10-man Magpies to a hard-fought opening day win over a spirited Southampton.
It was, by his own admission, not a match in which he sparkled from an attacking perspective but his defensive work was hailed as “elite” by Eddie Howe and summed up why he is so critically important to Newcastle’s ambitions this season.
After Fabian Schar was dismissed for a foolish skirmish with Ben Brereton Diaz in the first half, Newcastle required all hands on deck to overcome the visitors promoted from the Championship last season. Guimaraes’ contribution was typical of the desire that delighted Howe.
Newcastle, who have aspirations of a top four place this season, regard Guimaraes as simply unsellable and midweek claims that he still wants to join champions City have now been flatly dismissed by the man himself – who confirmed he will remain at St James’ Park beyond the 30 August transfer deadline.
“Yeah, I’m very happy to be here,” he told i.
“These things [rumours about his future] I cannot control but I’m here, I’m very happy to be here, I love it and I hope to keep [being] here.”
His future addressed, Guimaraes handled post-match media duties almost as adroitly as he did the midfield battle.
Clearly exhausted – he requested a chair to do radio interviews after the game and said he was in a lot of pain after playing all 90 minutes – the Brazilian was honest about how far he is behind his colleagues.
“Speaking about myself, I’m not at my best physical level. I came back after the guys after a tiring season for me, 64 games,” he said.
“I enjoyed my holidays a lot so I’m not at my best level but I tried to work very, very hard.
“We knew it would be a different game with 10 men but I think we gave everything, which was the most important, to win the game.
“I was very, very tired but for me there’s many, many ways to win and we won the hard way today.
“Everyone gave 110 per cent because 100 per cent wouldn’t have been enough. So everyone worked so hard, me, Longy [Sean Longstaff], the back four, Joelinton was everywhere. I’m very happy, we have to keep the same mentality for the rest of the Premier League season.”
For all that the close season began with speculation surrounding Guimaraes, his affection for Newcastle and the supporters is absolutely genuine.
Being named captain – Howe informed him on Friday – is a career ambition ticked off.
“It’s another dream come true to be captain of a club where I love to be. When the fans love me it’s always massive for me,” he said.
“I played for them – I gave everything I had. There’s pain everywhere to be honest. I’m not in my best level physically – I’m still building – but Saturday was for them.
“I think the fans made the difference for us. When the red card came they started to play like another player for us.
“They deserved the win, once again they made the difference and we’re very lucky to have our fans on our side.”
What can they really achieve this season?
“I’m hopeful we can do something similar to two years ago, we trying to do the same as we did when we got the Champions League,” Guimaraes said.
“Every game matters, Saturday was massive. It’s always unbelievable, we need to improve the away games because last season was not good enough.
“Next weekend we have a big chance to start well away from home.”
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