Newcastle star Bruno Guimaraes has revealed the touching reason why he wears #39 for Newcastle, a nonorthodox choice.
The Brazilian made his move to Newcastle from Olympique Lyon in January 2022 for a reported fee of £40m, and hasn't looked back since.
He has bagged 9 goals in 41 appearances for the Magpies while playing in a deep-lying playing role, with his elite level of passing transforming the side to becoming what they are today, with a Carabao Cup Final on the horizon.
But the midfielder's squad number choice is different to say the least, with Guimaraes explaining that the number has a very close meaning to his heart.
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In a piece for The Players' Tribune, Newcastle's #39 revealed all.
"I know people think it’s a weird number for a footballer. But for me 39 is special — no, it’s more than that. It's magical. The number 39 gave me everything in life. It got me here to Newcastle. It fed me, clothed me, and paid for three-hour bus rides to pursue my dream."
"#039 was the dispatch number of my father’s taxi in Rio de Janeiro."
He explained that he used to doubt his ability as a kid, as he felt a lot of pressure from his Father and coaches.
"I've never heard many footballers talk about this, but when I started playing on a real team, I thought I sucked. I used to get so worked up the night before football that I’d have stomach pains and start throwing up. I’d get a headache and a fever sometimes and wouldn’t be able to fall asleep. When I played, instead of playing free, I worried about messing up. Whenever I played a real game, it was like my heart was always beating faster. It was a psychological block."
Bruno explained that he spoke to his Father about this pressure, and his mindset changed from then on.
"When I played, I would tell myself, 'Hey, it’s football. Just play like we’re using flip-flops for goals.'"
The significance of the taxi began to be highlighted by Guimaraes as his footballing career continued to progress.
"When I turned 15, I got the chance to move to Audax São Paulo. It was a huge opportunity, but I had to leave my family and live all on my own. I will never forget, my parents drove me the five hours to Sao Paulo in my father’s yellow taxi."
"They used to drive up to see me in the taxi on weekends. Even on his day off, my dad couldn’t escape the yellow taxi, number 039."
Eventually, his career turned around and things started to fall in place for the Brazilian.
"In just four years, I went from planning to get my taxi license to getting loaned to Club Athletico Paranaense and winning the Sudamericana, to moving to Lyon and playing in the Champions League semifinal, then moving to Newcastle and getting the ultimate dream of my life, playing in the Premier League."
"I can’t explain it, except to say, 39."
His first kit number at Athletico Paranaense was already 39 despite him not asking for it to be changed yet, which he felt was a sign, and it has been a staple in his club career ever since.
Topics: Newcastle United, Football
Joshua Nair