Newcastle superstar dismisses past Barcelona rumours ahead of CL clash – ‘Just media talk’ | OneFootball

Barcelona’s UEFA Champions League campaign kicks off on Thursday night at St James Park and the Catalans will hope to get through with three points and thus get off to a positive start.

While the Blaugrana should have played their first game of the campaign at home, delays in the renovation of the Spotify Camp Nou saw UEFA grant them permission to play their first game away from home.

As the schedule has it, however, their opening clash will be a fierce one, given that Newcastle’s home is known to be one of the most daunting atmospheres in England.

Newcastle United star speaks

Speaking to the media ahead of Newcastle United’s UEFA Champions League clash against Barcelona tomorrow night, the Premier League team’s midfielder Bruno Guimaraes commented on the Catalans’ might and other related topics.

He began, however, by addressing the topic of links that existed between him and Barcelona and whether there was any weight to such reports.

“It was all just media talk; there were no direct negotiations. When I was young, I watched Barcelona because of Ronaldinho. I loved him, and then Iniesta and Xavi came along.”

“In Brazil, we follow La Liga a lot, and I’ve always admired Barcelona because of those players,” he added, making his admiration of Barcelona clear.

Bruno Guimaraes had been linked with Barcelona in the past. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

The player then opened up on Raphinha’s form for Barcelona and how the Brazilian has become a crucial component of Hansi Flick’s plans.

“Raphinha has always been a fantastic player. I’m happy he’s scoring a lot of goals and at his best,” he noted.

“For me, he is one of the best forwards in the world right now, and we need to watch him closely tomorrow. But his level doesn’t surprise me, we’ve always enjoyed Raphinha’s performance,” he added.

Guimaraes also praised Lamine Yamal and called him one of the best players on the planet, although the youngster will not be taking part in tomorrow’s game.

“I think Lamine is one of the best players in the world. A great player, but we won’t be facing him tomorrow, we’ll be facing Pedri, Raphinha, Lewandowski, and all those great players.”

Finally, the star midfielder made his excitement clear ahead of tomorrow’s clash in the UCL.

“I am excited to face Barcelona, they are a team I have never faced before. I used to always watch their matches in my childhood.”

Source: Mundo Deportivo