Bruno Guimaraes of Newcastle United celebrates
Bruno Guimaraes of Newcastle United celebrates (Image: Michelle Mercer/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
Newcastle United skipper Bruno Guimaraes has fired a warning to Arsenal ahead of Sunday's showdown in the capital.
Victory for the Magpies means that finishing second will, somewhat remarkably, be in United's hands after an incredible climb up the table from 12th spot before Christmas. For Bruno securing the runners-up spot as captain will cap off a superb first season as captain having already hoisted the Carabao Cup against Liverpool at Wembley.
Going in against the team that have always had admiration for him and at one stage looked to sign will be another big day for the Brazil international, who scored the goal against Chelsea on Sunday that calmed nerves around St James' Park. But Bruno, who continues to lead by example, warned that Newcastle aren't there to stand on ceremony.
Going into the clash Bruno told Chronicle Live: "It's not a secret. We want more for this club. We have to dream big and start from here.
"We started by winning the cup, then to qualify for the Champions League and I think the future is bright for this club."
Bruno did not want to overelaborate or overhype Newcastle's next opponents but has huge respect for Mikel Arteta's side The Magpies have had some serious contests with the Gunners over recent seasons - with United winning all three this campaign. However, Guimaraes knows it will be a difficult game at the Emirates and says while United are gaining ground on their rivals it is still 'not enough'.
He said: "It's a good opportunity. Arsenal are a good team but we celebrated against Chelsea because it was a big one for us.
"We’re close, but it's not enough. We have two games to go."
Despite rising from the relegation places, into Europe and up the podium to lift the Carabao Cup, Bruno has vowed to keep on fighting for the fans. He said: "They expect much from us and we try to give this for them. We know like three years ago that the team was never fighting for the Champions League.
"Now we have achieved a lot for this club, but it's not enough. This city, this team deserves more."