Bruno Guimaraes believes he is a Newcastle United legend.
It is difficult to argue with him. After all, he was the captain when Newcastle United won the Carabao Cup.
The Magpies have ended their trophy drought, with Bruno Guimaraes playing a key role in bringing silverware to St James’ Park.
Ever since his arrival from Lyon, Bruno said he wanted to be a champion with Newcastle United. Now that is the case, but the midfielder is not going to settle for just one trophy.
Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty ImagesBruno Guimaraes wants more after eclipsing Alan Shearer
That is the message from the Newcastle United captain, who has been speaking to Sky Sports Premier League’s YouTube channel about beating Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final.
“I said to the boys we go to the pitch as players and leave there as legends,” he said.
“It was true. I think we have become legends. We made the step that some good players did not achieve here. Shearer was the most famous player for the club, and unfortunately he did not win something for the club. We did it. Very special.
“But the message now is we want more. It was a good first step, but we are not just satisfied with the Carabao Cup. We want more. We want to finish in the top five to go back to the Champions League next season.”
Newcastle United need Champions League to keep Bruno Guimaraes
Bruno is right. He and his teammates are Newcastle United legends.
Eddie Howe is a Newcastle United legend too. There will come a time in the future when he gets a statue for what he has achieved on Tyneside.
But, like Bruno, Howe will want to achieve even more.
The Magpies’ next objective is qualifying for the Champions League. They are in a strong position to return to Europe’s elite competition with four Premier League games to go.
Returning to the Champions League is vital for Newcastle. It will provide a massive financial boost, while it will encourage better players to move to St James’ Park.
It will also convince Howe’s current stars to remain at St James’ Park. That includes Bruno Guimaraes, who was heavily linked with a move away last summer when his release clause was active.
Fortunately, that clause was not activated and Bruno remained with Newcastle United.
It remains to be seen if he will be the subject of interest this summer, but the skipper will be much more inclined to continue playing in black and white if the Magpies are a Champions League club.