Bruno Guimaraes has broken his silence after enduring a difficult travel experience alongside his Newcastle United teammate Joelinton.
The pair faced an exhausting delay before finally landing in Seoul on Wednesday morning, traveling through alternative routes to join the Brazil national team.
They will represent their country in a friendly against South Korea on Friday before facing Japan in Tokyo next Tuesday.
Both midfielders are familiar with these destinations, having featured in pre-season matches with Newcastle at the Seoul World Cup Stadium and Tokyo Stadium in 2024 and 2025.
For Guimaraes, international duty is nothing new he remains a key figure for Brazil. Joelinton, however, returns with a point to prove after missing the previous squad due to injury, despite initially being called up.
Fresh from a goal against Nottingham Forest that helped Newcastle secure back-to-back Premier League wins, Guimaraes reflected on the timing of the international break.
He admitted that the two-week pause might slow Newcastle’s momentum, saying that the team would have preferred to keep playing.
“The international break has not come at a very good time for us because we just want to keep going,” he said. “But now we have to go to the international, play well and come back fit because we have a very important game when we return.”
Speaking with his trademark honesty and humor, Guimaraes acknowledged that the long trip to South Korea was far from ideal but emphasized the pride he feels representing his nation.
“I’m going to South Korea it’s crazy. But yeah, we have to go there. Playing for my country is always a reason to be proud, though it’s a little bit far away,” he said with a laugh.
“The most important thing now is to get the jet lag right, go there, train well. It’s important for us to be with our national team, but the most important thing is to stay fit.”
After spending more than 30 hours in transit, Guimaraes confirmed via Instagram that he had finally arrived safely in Seoul. His message read, “Depois de mais de 30 horas here we go” (“After more than 30 hours, here we go”), accompanied by a crying-laughing emoji a clear sign that the midfielder was keeping his spirits high despite the exhausting journey.
Manager Eddie Howe had earlier acknowledged that he was mindful of the toll such long trips can take on his players. Speaking after Newcastle’s 2–0 victory over Nottingham Forest, Howe admitted he didn’t envy the journey awaiting his Brazilian duo.
“I’m glad I’m not going with them,” he joked. “We had a quick chat at the end of the game. What those players do for their countries, having to travel those kinds of distances I know it sounds easy it’s a privilege, and the players know that. But it’s hard on their brains and their bodies.”
Despite his concern, Howe couldn’t speak highly enough of Guimaraes and Joelinton’s dedication to Newcastle. “What I love about those two is that when they come back to us after those journeys, they return with such passion to play for the club.
They’re pleased to be with their teammates again and are focused on what we need to do. They’re not looking back on what they’ve just done incredible people. I just hope they return safely and in the condition that they left.”
After Brazil’s matches against South Korea and Japan, both players will make the long trip back to England, giving them very little time to rest before Newcastle’s away fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion.
That game, one of the Magpies’ longest domestic trips of the season, will test the players’ fitness and mental sharpness after such an intense international schedule.
Guimaraes’ commitment to balancing both club and country duties is a testament to his professionalism. His consistency in midfield has made him one of Newcastle’s most valuable assets, and his bond with the fans grows stronger with each performance.
While the long-haul travel might be draining, his positive mindset and unwavering determination continue to inspire both his teammates and supporters.
This episode once again highlights the demanding nature of modern football a sport where elite players are expected to perform at the highest level despite grueling travel schedules and minimal recovery time.
Yet for players like Bruno Guimaraes, representing their country remains an honor worth every mile.
After a long and exhausting trip, Bruno has shown once again why he is admired not just for his ability on the pitch but for his character off it.
Even after more than 30 hours of travel, he’s smiling, laughing, and focused on what comes next another opportunity to make his country proud before returning to St. James’ Park, where the fans will be eagerly awaiting their Brazilian heartbeat’s return.
