Newcastle pair embracing "brotherly" love and are key to Magpies impressive rise

28 July 2023 , 21:30

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Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes are close on and off the pitch

Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton have talked about their “brotherly” love that is powering Newcastle ’s rebuild.

Standing with an arm around each other on the side of an urban pitch they are opening for the Premier League in New Jersey, USA, the Brazilian duo are reliving their last remarkable 18 months on Tyneside.‌

Joelinton ’s redemption story - from £40m strike flop to enforcing midfielder and Brazil goal scorer - mirrors that of Newcastle’s rise from relegation struggle to Champions League.

And when £35m Guimaraes arrived as the new owners first big signing he immediately sparked ambition that was previously missing, predicting correctly that day one the Toon would rise into the top four.

‌They are two thirds of Newcastle’s hard running, intense midfield, and are so close off the pitch that Bruno had Joelinton was his best man when he got married in the summer, and the honour will be returned next year.

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‌Showing their teamwork, they give a joint interview touching on Bruno’s June weddings, the “man party” (stag do), BBQs, Brazil, fishing in the North Sea (“too cold”), their debt to Eddie Howe… and next season in the Champions League.

‌So was Big Joe a good best man? “Very good, better than I thought!”, said Bruno as the pair bounced off each other's chat.‌ “He’s a good guy. Since my very first day at Newcastle, he has been a brother to me. His wife is important to my wife. We are all so close.”

‌Did he do a speech? Joeliton added: “It is different in Brazil. There was dancing together, lots of dancing. Singing…‌" Bruno added: “Yes, the singing. I think I did it well. But Jo, I cannot say the same!”

‌Any tales from the stag do? Joelinton said: “Ah, the man’s party? We did not have time. Maybe next year. It’s difficult to find the time because of football!”

‌The pair didn’t know each other when Bruno signed from Lyon, joining the Toon’s relegation battle. “Things can change so quickly on and off the pitch. I found a brother. He is now part of my family,” said Bruno.

‌It’s clearly a bromance. Joelinton added: “He’s just a lovely guy. So much fun. Very positive. I love him, I love his family. It has been so much fun together.”‌ The pair are now Brazil internationals, Joelinton making his debut in the summer and scoring, and they are quick to thank boss Eddie Howe.

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‌Two years ago Joelinton couldn’t score as a striker and looked one of the club’s worst buys. These days he’s crucial.

‌Bruno said: “Eddie changed Joe’s life, I could see how much the Brazil debut means in his eyes. When he scored, it was incredible. It was a great moment for me, never mind him! More chances with Brazil will come, for sure.”

‌Big Jo was accidentally converted to a midfield enforcer in a tactical reshuffle when Ciaran Clark was sent off in November 2021. Has he thanked Clark for that fateful day?! “This happens in football. He didn’t want to get the red card. It was unlucky for him, and I just changed position and played well!”

‌Guimaraes chips in: “We have to say thank you for Eddie, every day! Eddie has been so important for Jo.‌The pair list their favourite place in Newcastle at St James’ Park. They have enjoyed the beaches of the North East but Bruno added: “The water is so cold compared to Brazil, beautiful, but cold.

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‌Sometimes they hold family BBQs, Joelinton is the chef. “I don’t know how!” says Bruno.‌Joelinton adds: “Ah, I do Brazilian food. Steak, feijoada. We’ll have all the squad around one day.”

‌Asked if he pinches himself at the turnaround in fortunes, Joelinton adds: “Every day I just try to be better. I have always worked hard and given my best.”

‌Finally a word about Newcastle’s inter-squad baseball game this week here in the USA. “I had a home run… says Joelinton. “Yeah, I was not so good…”‌ A double act on and off the pitch.

Simon Bird