‘I am sad’ - Bruno Guimaraes pens emotional farewell message after major Newcastle United exit

Bruno Guimaraes has thanked Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi for their efforts at Newcastle United.

The married couple announced they have left the club after two-and-a-half years in the boardroom. It was Staveley who first brought the Magpies to Middle Eastern attention in 2017.

When her initial bid broke down, she returned with the Public Investment Fund - worth a staggering £726billion. PIF acquired an 80 per cent stake in Newcastle following a lengthy takeover process, with the remaining 10 per cent shared between Staveley and the Reuben brothers, the UK’s second-richest family.

PCP Capital Partners, Staveley and Ghodoussi’s private equity firm, had reduced their ownership to six per cent earlier this year. A club statement on Friday confirmed they have sold their remaining shares to PIF and the Reubens.

The news was met with an outpour of tributes to the pair that helped free the club from Mike Ashley. Staveley and Ghodoussi played a key role during the early post-takeover days before CEOs or sporting directors had been appointed.

One of those key decisions was signing Guimaraes - a relatively unknown Brazilian - for £35million in the midst of a relegation battle. Posting on social media, the midfielder was grateful for the opportunity to join Newcastle.

“(I am) very sad by the news,” Guimaraes wrote. Thank you both for what you have done for the club, I still don't believe in it. 

“Wishing you all the best for the future and thank you once again for pushing me into the club! Always will be grateful @amandastaveleyı and @mehrdadghodoussi.”