Ever since making the switch to the North East in January of last year, combative midfielder Bruno Guimarães has not only endeared himself to the Newcastle United faithful, but has become an indispensable cog in Eddie Howe’s well-oiled machine.
The Brazilian, born in Rio de Janeiro, has been worth every penny of the £40 million paid by the Magpies to acquire his serves from French outfit Olympique Lyonnais, a fee that at the time made him the club’s second most expensive signing, only after compatriot and now teammate, Joelinton.
Guimarães’ importance to the side has been especially highlighted in recent weeks with Howe’s side winless in all of the five matches that the Brazilian has missed so far this season, most recently through suspension with the 25-year-old seeing red late on in the second leg of the Magpies’ semi-final tie against Southampton last month.
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However, the midfield maestro who wears the number 39 shirt in honour of his father’s taxi number in his hometown, is back from suspension and just in time, with Newcastle playing in their first major final for 24 years this Sunday against an in-form Manchester United.
With such a significant occasion on the horizon, the club, who were taken over by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund in October 2021, saw this as the perfect opportunity to express their appreciation and thanks to Guimarães’ long-term partner Ana Lidia Martins, who in October gave birth to the couple’s first baby, Matteo.
Their gratitude was shown through the delivery of a bouquet of pink flowers and an accompanying note that read: “Thank you so much for all the support you have given Bruno this season, it has helped tremendously in getting us to the cup final this weekend and is very much appreciated. From the coaching staff, the Staff, the board and directors at NUFC.”
In response to this gift, Lidia Martins took to her Instagram, sharing a photo of the flowers and accompanying note with the caption: “I mean… (welling up emoji). Thank you so much @NUFC (white heart emoji). It’s our pleasure! We are United! Let’s do it!”
The Carabao Cup final between Newcastle United and Manchester United takes place at Wembley stadium today at 4.30pm and is available to watch live on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event.
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