Bruno Guimaraes says he hopes to be at Newcastle United for “much longer” amid reports linking him with a move to one of their Premier League rivals in the summer transfer window.
The Brazilian midfielder was speaking after scoring a late winner against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday while making his 100th appearance for the Magpies.
“What day, what a day for me,” he told Premier League Productions. “The first 20 minutes was not good enough from us, but after that and then in the second half it was an unbelievable performance from everyone.
“100 games for the club, wow! What a journey I have been living here. I am very happy, glad. Everyone deserved to win the game today. The feeling against Everton, to lose the win in the last minutes hurt a lot. So to get here today, 100 games, score, what a day!”
Newcastle were slow out of the blocks as Fulham enjoyed the better chances, but the visitors were much improved after the break.
“We didn’t start well, so slow with and without the ball,” Guimaraes admitted. “We gave them so much time in between the lines and on the ball. We were not Newcastle United. At half time the gaffer said a few things to change and in the second half we were Newcastle United.”
Newcastle thought they had initially take the lead through Fabian Schar in the 75th minute, but it was chalked out for a foul following a VAR review.
“It was a moment when the fans were singing a lot, a very good moment to score,” he said. “I was looking forward to getting this goal for a long time. It was a good moment to score and win the game, and I think we could have scored a second. But also to not concede today was the most important.
Guimaraes has been one of Newcastle’s standout players since joining from Lyon in 2022, attracting the attention of clubs such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Man City, Man United and PSG. It is reported that the player’s contract has a £100m release clause after signing a new five-year deal in October.
The 26-year-old sees himself at St James Park for a while yet, but left the door open to a potential exit down the line.
“I hope to stay much longer,” he said. “I don’t know what the future brings let’s see, but I hope to play much more for Newcastle United.”