Bruno Guimaraes delivers heartbreaking message as Newcastle United prepare for transfer fight
Guimaraes will have a little break before returning to Newcastle after Brazil’s World Cup exit
Bruno Guimaraes reacts after missing a penalty for Brazil against Norway(Image: MAURO PIMENTEL / AFP via Getty Images)
Bruno Guimaraes has described Brazil’s World Cup exit to Norway as the ‘saddest day’ of his life in an emotional message to his country’s supporters.
The Selecao were beaten 2-1 in New York on Sunday as Erling Haaland’s double cancelled out Neymar Jr’s late consolation goal from the penalty spot.
But Guimaraes saw a penalty saved by Orjan Nyland in the first half which would have given his side the lead and he cut a despondent figure at full-time as his World Cup dream came to a cruel end.
It meant Norway, rather than Carlo Ancelotti’s side, moved on to Saturday’s quarter-final against England in Miami and the Newcastle United captain has opened up on the pain he has felt in the two days since Brazil’s exit.
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“I’ve written and deleted so many times I’ve lost count,” Guimaraes said. “I have always been present here in victories, nothing fairer than introducing myself and not running away from talking to you in defeat.
“Football, which gave me everything I have, is being responsible for making me feel the worst pain of my 28 years of life. Losing the penalty and being eliminated in the round of 16 is hard, it is suffered, it hurts a lot, but it will be another obstacle to overcome.
“I have been through so much only I know . . . I’m sure that no matter how worst I’m feeling right now, everything will pass. The craziest part of all this was coming home from the saddest day of my life and the first thing my kids said when I woke up was: ‘Daddy, let’s play ball?’
“And here I understood that regardless of bad or good days, football will always be my great love. I take responsibility, as I always did, and it’s not now that it would be any different. So sad how it ended, but sure God knows all.
“I have given you glory in victory and I will give you glory in defeat. Thank you Jesus for the opportunity. The dream is not over. He is still alive in my heart and in the hearts of thousands of others who love our country.
“Time now to reflect, regain my strength with my family and come back even stronger.”
Guimaraes will now have around three weeks off before he returns to Newcastle for pre-season training ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
While there has been much talk about his future amid interest from Premier League champions Arsenal, Newcastle remain adamant the 28-year-old is not for sale.
As such, the former Lyon man is hoped to be back in the Newcastle fold ahead of their trip to Bristol City but certainly in time for the squad’s training camp in La Manga.
