Bruno Guimaraes has revealed that he has become a Newcastle United 'idol' and is 'very happy' at St James' Park, but now wants to take his game to the next level at the World Cup. The Brazilian midfielder, currently representing his country in the USA, created his side's only goal by setting up Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Morocco in their opening group game in New Jersey.
This is the 28-year-old's second World Cup with Brazil, having represented them in Qatar in 2022, but he feels he has made huge strides at Newcastle during that time. Now he wants to deliver on the biggest stage after struggling to make an impact four years ago.
Club Success and Personal Growth
Guimaraes has become the club captain, inspired his side to win their first major trophy for 55 years last season, and has twice helped the Magpies qualify for the Champions League since the last World Cup. The former Lyon midfielder feels he has arrived at the World Cup at the 'peak' of his powers and wants to emulate the adulation he has received at club level with Newcastle with his country.
"A lot has changed in four years. It feels like ten years have passed in four, to be honest," Guimaraes told Brazilian publication Globo Esporte. "In my personal life, I'm a father of two, I'm married, and in my professional life we've raised Newcastle's level; I've become one of the club's biggest idols. I've matured a lot. I'm very happy, I'm much more experienced."
"I think I was very hard on myself four years ago with things that don't bother me anymore. So I feel like I'm in a very good place. At 28, I'm reaching that point... I think it's the peak of a player's career between 28 and 30. So I'm arriving at this moment in great shape and I want to make the most of wearing the national team jersey in this World Cup."
Transfer Speculation and Performance
Guimaraes is one of several United players who have been linked with a move this summer, although the Magpies are desperate to keep hold of their captain. Despite Newcastle's struggles last season, Bruno enjoyed a stellar individual campaign with his nine Premier League goals a career-best. According to Guimaraes, that is testament to the hard work of Newcastle's backroom staff who have helped improve his efficiency in front of goal.
"Man, I think I've been shooting better," Guimaraes added. "To be honest, I've been hitting the target more often. I work with the Performance Sport team, which analyses performance, and they've proven this with the numbers. This is the season I've hit the target the most. Hitting the target more often means you have more chances to score. And I think I've also been very efficient with my shooting."
"I hope this continues, of course sometimes you're well positioned, at the right time and in the right place, but I feel more experienced, maybe not even spending as much energy as Bruno did years ago to be better and more balanced when shooting, not being so tired at the moment of finishing."
