Bruno Guimaraes' wife issues emotional statement as Newcastle United star left heartbroken
Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes’ World Cup ended in heartbreak.
Bruno Guimaraes' wife, Ana Lidia, has issued an emotional statement after the Newcastle United captain's World Cup dream came to a heartbreaking end.
Guimaraes missed the chance to give Brazil the lead from the penalty spot as they lost 2-1 to Norway to exit the tournament at the last 16 stage.
The 28-year-old saw his effort saved by goalkeeper Orjan Nyland in the 14th minute, becoming the first Brazilian since Zico in 1986 to miss a penalty in a World Cup match.
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And to make matters worse, Guimaraes would go on to be substituted moments before Erling Haaland gave Norway the lead in the 79th minute. Haaland then doubled the lead before another penalty saw Neymar pull one back in the final minute.
Bruno Guimaraes wife issue emotional message
Guimaraes has stayed quiet on social media in the aftermath of his penalty miss, a clear indication of the pain he is currently feeling.
But his wife, Ana, has issued a heartfelt message in a public show of support for her husband.
“Football has the power to take you to heaven and hell, at the same speed and in the same proportion,” Ana wrote. “In these last games, we were able to live in heaven. I saw my husband fulfill dreams, cry with happiness. I saw our family in ecstasy, my in-laws drenched in pride, my children full of joy every time they saw him on television.
“We were in heaven and the goal seemed so tangible… but this sport is called football, and in it, it is very easy to plummet in the opposite direction. I thank from the bottom of my heart every person - close or not, who dedicated a minute of their time to dedicate a word of affection and comfort to us.
“Hurts like hell, hurts the soul, but it's part of the sport. Over the years, we've learned to deal with the fans' passion. We understand that no one is as good as they say they are, just as no one is as bad as they say they will be.
“It's understandable to try to find someone guilty, because that helps cope with the frustration of defeat. We are supporters too. It's a passion. It might be very cruel but then again, it's sport. We are grounded and will weather another storm together.
“To my husband, all I can say is how much I admire your courage, your dedication, your feet on the ground. You are the greatest pride of my life! Thank you for allowing me to experience such unforgettable moments these weeks. It was so beautiful to see you shine.
“Thank you for being the foundation of our family. Thank you for your giant and pure heart of a child. It hurts like hell, I know. But every time it rained it stopped and God's will is still good, perfect and pleasing.”
Bruno Guimaraes’ future at Newcastle United
The majority of Eddie Howe’s squad report back for pre-season on July 13 but Guimaraes is among the players given an extended break following their involvement at the World Cup.
The 28-year-old is attracting strong interest from Arsenal but Newcastle are adamant that their skipper is not for sale.
Guimaraes’ contract is set to expire in the summer of 2028. However, as revealed by the Gazette last week, United have an option to extend that by one year.