Bruno Guimaraes on learning English, the Geordie accent and help from Joelinton at Newcastle United

Six months ago, Bruno Guimaraes arrived on Tyneside with zero English in his vocabulary. Joining a relegation fight, for big bucks, in a foreign country, where you cannot speak the language is a serious test of character.

However, it is undeniable that the midfield maestro passed the challenge with flying colours. His manager, Eddie Howe, is eulogised by supporters for his relentless work rate on the training ground. But what has been more remarkable is Guimaraes’ efforts to learn English in such a short space of time.

The Brazilian has regularly updated supporters with his progress on social media. Last week, he announced on Twitter that his skills had reached “upper intermediate “ level, meaning he can understand most speeches, complex arguments and TV shows.

Toon supporters love a grafter - and Guimaraes has shown to be exactly that on and off the pitch. Since January, the £35million man has transformed the Magpies’ midfield..

Howe initially staved off calls from supporters to throw Guimaraes immediately into the side. Allowing him to adapt to the rigours of English football - and the language - paid dividends, with several man-of-the-match displays endearing the 24-year-old to the St James’ Park faithful.

A remarkable stat is how Guimaraes has already scored more goals for Newcastle than he did for former club Lyon - in 54 fewer appearances. Howe has given the Brazilian licence to get forward when most believed he was simply a deep-lying midfielder.

Arguably his best performance to date came in the 2-1 victory against Leicester City on Easter Sunday. After falling a goal behind, Guimaraes bagged a brace - which included a 94th-minute winner - to give the Geordies a Bank Holiday weekend to remember.

Post-match,