Bruno Guimaraes has revealed last April’s dramatic victory against Leicester City confirmed his love for Newcastle United. An Easter Sunday to remember saw the Magpies fight back from a goal behind to snatch a 2-1 victory in the 95th minute.
At the full-time whistle, an emotional Guimaraes sank to his knees and pointed to the sky after his brace moved Newcastle 12 points clear of the relegation zone. The Brazilian’s last-gasp header sparked raucous scenes at St James’ Park - the loudest the cathedral on the hill had been since the Saudi-backed takeover was completed.
Just two months earlier, Newcastle were struggling in a relegation dogfight but, once the Foxes were put to the sword, there was no looking back. Guimaraes has opened up about that memorable day - insisting it was the moment he “fell in love” with his new club.
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“We played Leicester City at home and, for me, this was probably when I fell in love with Newcastle,” he told the Players’ Tribune. “I scored the two goals in the match, and they could not have been more different.
“The first one was a goal from the streets of Rio. The keeper bobbled the ball when he fell on it and I didn’t hear the whistle, so I just kept kicking and kicking until it popped out of his hands and rolled across the line.
“And then the second goal, in the 95th minute.... all I can tell you is that, when the Newcastle fans are really on fire like they were that day, you simply don’t get tired. I don’t know the science behind it, but you can just keep running forever.
“I heard the roar from the fans and it was goosebumps. I ripped my shirt off, and that’s when I knew that I was really in the Premier League. It was an atmosphere I’d never seen before, even in Brazil. I remember I collapsed on the pitch at the whistle and I was just praying to God, thanking him for bringing me here.”
This weekend, Guimaraes has the opportunity to etch his name into Geordie folklore forever. His dream is to become a legend on Tyneside, revered in the same manner as club legends Alan Shearer and Jackie Milburn.
Scoring twice against Leicester was special but producing a similar performance on Sunday - in the Carabao Cup final - would make the Brazilian a god among men. Manchester United are all that stands in the 25-year-old’s way from becoming a Toon icon.
“In the dressing room (after Leicester), we all knew that we were never going down after that day. For me, everything that’s happened since - finishing 11th that season, then making it to the League Cup final this season against Manchester United - was born that day.
“I hope to be a legend here. I know that this club can be one of the giants. It starts this weekend. Win or lose, we’re back at Wembley, and I know how special it is for the fans.”
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