Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes breaks silence on Man City interest

Newcastle star Bruno Guimaraes has responded to interest from Manchester City and Pep Guardiola, but insisted he is enjoying his time at St James' Park.

The midfielder was reportedly the subject of interest from Man City in the summer as his contract contained a £100million release clause that expired at the end of June.

Guimaraes has been one of Newcastle's key players since joining from Lyon for £33 million in January 2022.

Mail Sport revealed that Guimaraes had been elevated to Newcastle club captain in August, with the expectation that he would stay.

The Brazilian has admitted Man City have shown interest and revealed details of a conversation with Guardiola, but insisted he was always involved at Newcastle.

“I believe that I am an idol at my club and that I have a lot of respect,” Guimaraes told Brazilian newspaper Globo.

'I'm the captain of Newcastle and if you had asked me three years ago, my biggest dream would have been to play in the Premier League.

'Playing, being an idol, being captain is something great. I really like Newcastle.

'Of course the interest from Manchester City shows that I am at a high level, but it was nothing more than interest.

'I know Guardiola likes my football, it is normal to have great coaches who admire your football.

'We spoke once, I praised his work, he praised my work, but it was nothing more than that.'

Reports of Man City's interest had grown after Guardiola singled out Guimaraes for praise before his side faced Newcastle in the FA Cup in March.

'He is an exceptional midfielder. He is aggressive, with the ball or without the ball,” Guardiola said.

'He is aggressive at set pieces and a real, complete midfielder since he played at Lyon and now at a club that wants to grow bigger and bigger.

'I'm sure he will be part of the project for years to come. Certainly.'

Fresh reports of Man City's interest in the midfielder followed after Rodri was ruled out for the season.

The Ballon d'Or winner suffered a cruciate ligament injury in September.