LET’S GET EDDIE TO RUMBLE
BRUNO GUIMARAES has committed himself to Newcastle – and insists he is ready to make it a “special” season chasing a trophy.
The £100million Brazilian playmaker has ended fears he could be sold to Manchester City and sat next to boss Eddie Howe as he said: “I want to help this guy. He has developed my game and it is time for me to deliver something special for him.”
Guimaraes joked he “almost passed out” during his first day of pre-season training last week in the heat of Japan, after being given an extended summer break following his international matches.
He played 64 games last season and was key for club and country.
And, without European football this season, Guimaraes says the Toon will be challenging for the top four again.
He said: “I am here and never said I would like to leave. Since I signed, I want to put my name in club history and nothing changes.
“This is not something I get involved in, it is with my agent. I don’t know anything on it... my focus is Newcastle and I am very happy.
“I want to win some trophies. When I came, I said I wanted to play in the Champions League and everyone said I am crazy! Now I want to be there again and win something. We work hard for it.”
Guimaraes (with
Howe, right) has been voted on to Newcastle’s leadership group by the squad and is an inspiration on and off the pitch, leading by example.
He said: “I don’t know how I’ve played so many games, but I did it and I’m happy.
“Last season was a very, very good season for me. I never thought I’d play 64 games in a season, it was my record. I also broke my record for goals and assists.”
Guimaraes hinted it was a big season in Newcastle’s relaunch. It will be three years since the Saudi takeover and extra investment – and they want rewards.
He said: “It is a key season for the club. I mean that we’re just playing in the Premier League, so we’re going to have time to train.
“Last December we played nine games in a month, so it was too much for our squad, we were without key players. This season we have time to train and the last time like that, we did very, very well in the Premier League.
“I want to be back in the Champions League.
“Not playing European football will give us time to be focused on the Premier League to get the club back in the Champions League.”
Bruno will play a part in one of the friendly games Newcastle have against either Girona tonight or Brest tomorrow, with most of the squad likely to get 90 minutes.
And Howe is embracing the expectation Guimaraes is creating ahead of the season.
He said: “I’m comfortable with it. I think we have to have high expectations.
“It’s slightly different when you’re in my position, because yes, you can have your targets, but nothing’s going to be given to you. You have to earn the right to get to that point.
“The competition is so high. So we have to improve from last year. We’ve been working hard in pre-season to improve.
“Hopefully that shows by the time we kick off and we can build consistency and confidence in our game early.”
Bruno confirms his loyalty to Toon and roars:
I want to win something special for boss