Bruno Guimaraes has admitted that he always knew joining Newcastle United was the right decision, with the Magpies star drawing comparisons between St James' Park and the streets of Brazil.
Currently on international duty at the ongoing FIFA World Cup, Guimaraes has enjoyed a spectacular 2022 in the North East after completing a mega-money move from Lyon in January.
The 25-year-old has provided three goals and two assists from a dynamic central midfield role, his performances epitomising Newcastle's exponential rise under the ownership of PIF and the management of Eddie Howe.
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Having become an instant fan favourite among supporters, Guimaraes has outlined the faith he carried in choosing to join the club. "Look, it was always my dream to play in the Premier League since I was kid," he explained. "I followed the Premier League and watched almost all the games.
"When Newcastle first contacted me, I couldn't believe that Lyon had accepted the offer and everything else. We talked, I spoke to the club and everything worked out.
"I was very excited, I knew it was a big decision and I knew that I had made the right one."
Whilst Newcastle's climate may differ from that of Rio de Janeiro, Guimaraes also insists that there are more similarities between the two cities than first meet the eye and paid homage to his birthplace.
"I feel good playing here," he added. "As I do playing in my garden, or in the streets of Brazil.
"I lived in Sao Cristovao, Maracana and Engenho Novo. I would describe my childhood as very good. I went through some difficult times but they definitely made me stronger and the Bruno that I am today."
Guimaraes came off the bench for Brazil in their 1-0 defeat to Cameroon on Friday evening. The Brazilians will play South Korea in the last 16 on December 5.
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