‘Water into wine’ - Newcastle United star hails Magpies boss Eddie Howe

Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes has revealed his admiration for Magpies supporters and praised manager Eddie Howe for the impact he has made at St James Park.

The Brazil international has become a popular figure on Tyneside since he made a £38million move from French club Lyon during the January transfer window.

After surprising many by accept a move to a relegation-threatened Magpies side, Bruno quickly imposed his influence and played a lead role and Eddie Howe’s men produced a significant upturn in form to secure their Premier League status.

The classy midfielder scored five goals and provided one assist in 17 appearances as United moved away from the bottom three and ended the campaign sat in mid-table.

A hamstring injury has limited Bruno to five appearances so far this season but he returned to the Magpies lineup for Saturday’s home draw with Bournemouth.

Reflecting on his introduction to life in the Premier League, the 24-year-old admitted he already feels at home on Tyneside and revealed his love for the ‘crazy’ United supporters.

He told FourFour Two: “It’s a dream come true to be playing in the Premier League. Everything is amazing. Sometimes I think to myself, ‘I was born for this, for the Premier League’.

“I already feel at home here.

“The fans are crazy about me, and nothing beats that in football. Honestly, I get so much love out on the streets that sometimes it feels like I’m the mayor of the city!

“They spot me and start yelling my name, wanting to take a picture. I’ve met people who’ve got a tattoo with my face on! It’s nuts. That’s the love fans have.”

Bruno also revealed his respect for Magpies manager Eddie Howe after he led the club away from the relegation zone last season.

The Brazil star joked the former Bournemouth boss had ‘turned water into wine’ by guiding an under-performing Magpies side away from the bottom three and revealed he is instilling a ‘winning mentality’ on Tyneside.

“I’m enjoying working with him, I really am.  And not only as a coach but as a person.

“I admire the way he manages the whole group. He has a very human side with everyone.

“He’s turned water into wine here, leading a team that many saw as virtually relegated to the middle of the table. He’s bringing a winning mentality to the club – crucial when you have such a big project.”

The Magpies midfielder is currently on international duty with Brazil and will hope to add to his eight senior caps when the Selecao face Ghana and Tunisia in friendlies over the next week.