Bruno Guimaraes has described the “ Newcastle project as the best in the world” - after admitting Real Madrid came calling in the summer.
The Brazil midfielder scored twice and led Eddie Howe’s side to their biggest win for more than six years as Brentford were given the jitters by the Geordies’ intensity. No wonder Guimaraes, who has netted seven goals since signing in January for £35m, was looked at by the Spanish giants in August and will continue to be monitored.
He said: “I feel at home here! Real Madrid is the best team in the world. It is nice. It was just a conversation, but it is nothing.”
Newcastle told Madrid Guimaraes couldn’t be bought at the moment, he’s valued at £80m-plus now - and Howe will keep reaping the benefits of his influence. Howe says he was “a bargain” and that he energises the whole squad. He also adds a swagger and composure to their possession game.
Guimaraes will become a father to a boy, Mathieu this week, and says the child will be “a Geordie”. He will keep his new blond crew cut after netting with his head, and admits he is loving help revive the ambitions Tyneside club.
He said: “I never doubted the project. I believe it in the beginning. I always wanted to play in the Premier League and I enjoy it. The ground loves me and I love them. No joking, I am at home here. I need to keep going.”
Back in July Bruno boldly predicted a top six bid, and that’s where they were on Saturday night. He added: “I think we have a team to keep it going. We need to enjoy the moment but all the games in the Premier League are difficult. It is a beginning.
“It is important to be in this position at the end of the Premier League. It is step by step, game by game but it is nice to win. The last game against Fulham (a 4-1 win) was very important for the boys. We have showed what we are training for.”
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And returning the compliment to Howe, he said: “I am also happy for the gaffer as well. He always puts the strategy down in such a smart way, for his part.
“It's one of the best days of my life. To score two goals - which are my first of the season - and Eddie Howe joked with me I wasn't so good with the head! My second goal made me really happy. I recovered the ball and went to do a pass. I didn't see anybody though. I thought: 'I will just shoot' and it was beautiful.”
Last season didn’t reach 14 points until January 22 and have a fascinating test at Old Trafford next Sunday. Jacob Murphy, Miguel Almiron and an own goal from Ethan Pinnock completed the five goal rout and Brentford were forced into multiple mistakes.
Guimaraes added: “The key? We play at home with 12 players. We are doing things very well. It is the beginning of the project. This will be one of the best projects in the world, I believe this. It is just the beginning.” Real Madrid will have to wait.
