Bruno Guimaraes spends day with NUFC Foundation on World Down Syndrome Day, he's a class act

Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes made a surprise guest appearance at a football session run by the club's Foundation to support its Down Syndrome children's team.

The 25-year-old Brazilian and his father, Dick Gomez, arrived in the Foundation's sports hall at NUCASTLE to cheers and applause before getting straight into the action.

Guimaraes, who wants to create awareness and advocacy for the rights, inclusion and wellbeing of people with Down syndrome, later signed autographs and posed for pictures with those in attendance.

Speaking to the media at the event, he said: "This has been an amazing evening being able to spend time with this group.

"It is something so simple for me to do, to come and see everybody, but I hope that it can be something that they will remember all their lives."

He added: "I always say about the love of the fans being incredible in Newcastle and this is now one of my special moments of meeting supporters and thanking people for their support.

"Seeing the beautiful work that is being done by the Foundation is really important and I could see just how much it means to the Down syndrome team to be part of this charity and have the opportunity to play football and make friends.

"This city and the people really love football and our club, so it is amazing to be able to give something back to the community."

Participants, meanwhile, report that the Foundation's disability football sessions help them to improve their physical and mental wellbeing, as well as providing a sense of belonging.

Harry Brown, who has been attending Down syndrome football sessions with the Foundation for a number of years said: "It was awesome! It was great to meet one of my all-time favourite Newcastle players.

"It was amazing that he made his own time to come and meet us all and play football with us."

Here's how fans reacted to Guimaraes' surprise visit.

One said: "Seems really down to earth and happy to be there," while another wrote: "Newcastle won the jackpot when we signed Bruno. He's a top footballer and an even better person."

A third commented: "He is not just a unbelievable player he is an unbelievable person too. Love Bruno you can tell he is proud to play for us."

A fourth added: "He's not just a magical player, but what an absolute gem of a human being, not just for this but for anything and everything he does."