‘A big power in world football’ – Bruno Guimarães sets out Newcastle aims

Bruno Guimarães barely had time to settle into his seat at St James’ Park and survey the sea of unfamiliar faces in front of him before the conversation turned to global domination.

“We’re going to be a big power in world football,” said Newcastle’s new £33.3m Brazil midfielder. “The owners were very up front that, this season, the idea is to stay in the Premier League but the main objective in the years to come is to be in the Champions League and, eventually, to win the Champions League.”

Some of those present may have looked a little doubtful but his optimism seemed infectious and it was not long before the 24-year-old was asked whether he regarded Newcastle as potentially a bigger club than Arsenal.

“Definitely,” said the former Lyon player, who was heavily courted by Arsenal. “It’s already a club with a great tradition, a big history. I have no doubts about my decision to come here. I believe in everything the owners told me about their project.”

If the diamonds adorning his watch caught the eye, his answers, transmitted through an interpreter, betrayed no sign of brashness. Granted, the player Eddie Howe hopes to build his side around appeared confident but there was also a certain modesty and a refreshing politeness.

After beginning by apologising, unnecessarily and in fairly decent English, for his lack of fluency in the language, Guimarães explained his attachment to the No 39 shirt he hopes to wear for the first time when Everton visit Tyneside for Tuesdays relegation six-pointer.

“My dad was a taxi driver for 20 years and No 39 was his taxi number,” he said. “So when I signed for my first professional club, Athletico Paranaense, he asked me to take his number for my shirt. It sustained my family when I was