Midfielder Bruno Guimarães is tireless. Last season, he was one of the highlights of the Premier League, the most competitive football tournament in the world. The Rio de Janeiro native born in São Cristóvão took the field in 50 of Newcastle’s 51 matches. In the Premier League, the midfielder was the record holder in distance covered, running 423 kilometers, the equivalent of ten marathons.
In the National Team, he is also tireless. Bruno was one of the first to report to coach Dorival Júnior in Orlando, still in May, and participated in all 15 training sessions in Orlando and the two in Los Angeles. Now, the player does not hide the desire to take the field to play his first Copa América. On Monday (24th), Brazil will debut against Costa Rica, in Inglewood, in the metropolitan area of Los Angeles.
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“Everyone is already anxious to get to the debut soon. We’ve been working hard these last few days. We’re committed, happy to be representing the National Team, we hope to give our best and no doubt win the title,” said the 26-year-old midfielder.
In an interview with CBF TV, he said that playing the Copa América has a special meaning in his career and recalled the days of being a fan of the “Amarelinha” (Brazil’s national team jersey).
“It was always a competition I really wanted to play. It’s my first one, although I already have a little experience with the National Team (he played the last World Cup), I want to come out 100%, play the first one, and, God willing, win,” he said.
Bruno Guimarães told of the celebration on his street when Brazil won the 2004 Copa América, played in Peru, when the team led by Carlos Alberto Parreira won on penalties against the Argentinians after a goal by Adriano in stoppage time.
“I have very much in memory that goal by Adriano at the end against Argentina. That edition marked me a lot, I remember watching the game, believing until the end. I was at home barbecuing watching Brazil’s game. I remember when Adriano scored the goal, it was beer in the air, screams, fireworks. So it’s a memory that is still very fresh in my memory,” recalls the Newcastle midfielder.
OTHER SUBJECTS
FAVORITISM
“I think Brazil is always the favorite. We know there are other great National Teams, like Argentina, Uruguay. Colombia has also been doing a great job. But when Brazil enters, they have to enter to win. In my view, we have a great team. We hope to put this into practice and play our best. We know the difference on the field, it’s a smaller field, it’s a tougher game. So we have to match the willpower so that talent can be the differentiator.”
PREPARATION IN ORLANDO
“It was very productive. We saw a lot of things, tested a lot of things. I like to collect a lot of information. We have a new coach here in the National Team, a new style.”
“We were able to work together for more time, get the team integrated, doing more marking training as well, which we need to improve. This time was very useful for us. We want to put all of this into practice. I think you’ll be able to see a very determined Brazil, with a strong desire to bring this title to our country.”
MESSAGE TO THE FANS
“Believe in us. Being here is a pride, a pleasure. We want to represent our National Team in the best way, that they continue to cheer, just as when I was a child, a teenager, I always cheered a lot for the National Team. Believe in us. We will give our best, no doubt. And try to bring the title to our country.”
