'It's been a long time' - Newcastle United WAG pays tribute to 'rare' star set for return

Bruno Guimaraes' wife Ana Lidia Martins Guimaraes has shared an emotional tribute to the Newcastle United midfielder ahead of his return following his one-match suspension.

The Brazilian missed the Magpies' 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth after receiving his fifth yellow card of the season against Arsenal. Guimaraes narrowly avoided receiving a red card after striking Jorginho’s head with his forearm. 

But Ana's social media post wasn't entirely about football. Instead she marked Guimaraes' 26th birthday which he is celebrating today (16 November) whilst on international duty in Brazil.

Sharing a collection of photos to Instagram, Ana wrote: "Today is the day of the coolest guy I have ever met!!!!!! Without a shadow of a doubt! He is pure charisma, kindness, sweetness, kindness... Ah, a goodness that can be dangerous. It’s been a long time since I’ve known anyone this good.

"I actually think everyone that knows Bruno can count on one hand people who are as good as him. Bruno is rare, special, present. With him my days were never the same And how good it is!"

The Brazilian couple are currently expecting their second child after welcoming their first in 2022.

On numerous occasions the footballer has spoken about how he and his family feel like Geordies, a sentiment Ana shared when the midfielder's contract extension was announced a few months ago.

"My love, how good it is to see you happy! How great it is to see you achieve your dreams!," Ana continued. "I only ask that God protects you from all evil and continues to give you wisdom to lead life the light way you do... May the path of goodness always be the path you choose to walk, and may we be partners on that path forever. Thank you for being mine, and especially for being Teteu and Pipi. How lucky are we!

"I love you and wish you God's greatest blessings! Just be happy ! Be you ! All the time! 🤍"

Guimaraes’ expected return to United’s starting XI is hotly anticipated following their defeat on the south coast last week. The Magpies have failed to win any of the seven Premier League games the Brazilian has missed since his £40million arrival from Lyon in January 2022. 

"Bruno [Guimaraes] was a huge miss," Howe said after the game. "You can see the impact he has on our midfield on the back of today's performance.

"Hopefully we get him back if he comes back from international duty in good condition."