Bruno Guimaraes admission - Skipper 'respects' one Newcastle United player set to leave this summer
Kieran Trippier is set to leave Newcastle United when his contract expires at the end of the season.
Bruno Guimaraes has paid tribute to Kieran Trippier as the Newcastle United veteran’s career at St James’ Park draws to a close.
Signed in January 2022, Trippier was the first player to take the leap of faith after the Saudi-backed takeover. Guimaraes - a relative unknown - joined a fortnight later but undoubtedly as the X-factor addition as Newcastle aimed to send a statement to the rest of the Premier League.
Over four years on and Trippier - now 35 - is set to leave the Magpies at the end of the season. The former England international will seek pastures new when his contract expires in June.
In the club’s official matchday programme, Guimaraes opened up about the Trippier’s impact on the Toon squad. He said: “Finally, I want to talk about Kieran Trippier. He was one of the leaders of this new project four-and-a-half years ago and I have learned so much with him. What a guy! He’s a legend for everyone here, I respect him a lot.
“The fans will judge him as a player and his many important games, but I want to say what a guy he is as a person. I always tried to learn at the beginning, listening to what he was saying to the team.
“I learned from his words and attitude on the pitch as well. He always gives 100 per cent for the club, for his teammates. I wish him all the best and it has been a pleasure to play alongside him.”
Kieran Trippier message
Announcing his exit last month, Trippier named Newcastle as the club he has felt “most at home” in his professional career. He said: “The time has come to leave this amazing club after four-and-a-half years. This is where I have felt most at home. It’s emotional, and I’m really going to miss it.
“I want to say a massive thank you to the supporters for all the support through the good and the bad times for me personally. You've always supported me, always stood by me. To my teammates, it's going to be emotional. It's been an amazing journey with you guys.
“I'm going to miss you all, but to win a trophy with you guys was really, really special - the best of my career. And to the manager, Eddie Howe, all the coaching staff and the team behind the scenes, a massive thank you.
“The gaffer had the trust - twice - to sign me, gave me the opportunity to represent and captain this great club and most importantly, we managed to win a trophy. I'm going to miss everyone at the club. Thank you.”
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