JUST IN: “I love you bro” Newcastle United skipper send heartfelt reply to teammate in action after a long injury spell… Thoughtful of Howe for making this lad the Captain..
You can always count on Bruno Guimaraes.
What a player. What a great personality.
Once again, Bruno Guimaraes shows why he’s so admired, always quick to express support and affection for his teammates.
It’s no surprise Eddie Howe chose him as captain.
Sandro Tonali made a stunning return to international action for Italy against France. After the game, the former AC Milan player took to Instagram, saying, “It is always special to wear these colours, even more with this group, let’s go on like this.”
Bruno Guimaraes responded with, “Te voglio bene frate,” meaning “I love you, brother.”
Tonali’s return to action for both Newcastle United and Italy could become one of the standout stories of the season, based on his recent performances. He was excellent in Newcastle’s matches against Forest and Spurs and elevated his game even further against France in Paris.
Some Newcastle fans suggested that Tonali should have stayed home to prepare for the next Premier League match against Wolves, but this viewpoint seems odd. Physically and mentally, nothing could have prepared Tonali better for the Wolves game than playing in a high-intensity match against France.
On Monday, Italy faces Israel in Budapest, and Italian media reports indicate that the head coach may rest players like Tonali after their efforts in the France game. Whether or not he plays, this international break seems to have done Tonali a world of good, and even if he does feature, there will still be six days until Newcastle’s next match.
Tonali has previously spoken about the massive support Bruno Guimaraes has provided since his arrival at Newcastle, during both his ban and his return to the squad.
Ahead of his return to action against Nottingham Forest, Tonali told Newcastle’s official site:
“I’m happy to be playing against Nottingham Forest because it’s the first time in 10 or 11 months.
“I feel good because I know the team and the fans have always been with me. I’ve never been alone, and that’s so important because I struggled in the first three months, but now it feels like a fresh start after 10 months.
“This is a new chapter in my life, not just for me, but for my family and friends. I have a great team supporting me, which is the most important thing in my life.
“Ten months is a long time. It was tough, but I trained every day, even more than when I was playing.
“I was lucky to have everyone at Newcastle United by my side. From the first day in October to now, I had constant support from the coach, Jason Tindall, and the entire team.
“Even the chefs, cleaners, and secretaries showed me support, as did the fans, who gave me the same love they would have if I’d been here for 10 years, even though I had only just arrived.
“This made me realize what Newcastle United and its fans are truly about.
“In the first months, October and November, it was difficult. I couldn’t play, but I was there with the team for the Wolves game, and Bruno and Joelinton were the first to help me through the night.
“Bruno and Joe are top players and top people for me. I love the Brazilian guys, not just because they helped me, but because they help the team too.
“It’s so important for me to come back and play. I feel good, mentally and physically.
“I enjoy playing at the training ground and even in friendly matches because I need those minutes to get back to playing full 90-minute matches in the league.
“I learned English at the training ground. First, a month with a teacher, then with the players, especially Bruno and my physio.
“Bruno speaks and understands Spanish, so he would switch between English and Spanish with me. He was my translator for the first two or three months.
“I’m excited because I feel like a new player, like a new signing. I only played eight games last season, and it was difficult to miss out for 10 months.
“I’m excited to be at Newcastle, because it’s a top team with top fans, and I can’t wait to get back on the pitch.”