Bruno Guimarães has explained his decision to leave Newcastle United for Arsenal, insisting the move was about experiencing something new after helping rebuild the Magpies.
The Brazilian made his first official appearance for Arsenal on Sunday and immediately picked up a trophy. He started as the Gunners beat Manchester City 3-0 in the Community Shield.
Afterwards, Guimarães spoke to ESPN Brazil about his Newcastle exit and what he expects from his new club.
For the first time since completing the transfer, the midfielder has given his own explanation of why he felt it was time to move on.
“I believe I helped rebuild the club”
Bruno Guimarães spent almost five seasons at Newcastle and was one of the central figures in the club’s transformation during that period.
He arrived in January 2022, with Newcastle still fighting to stay in the Premier League. By the time he left, he had become one of the biggest figures of the club’s recent history.
Speaking after Sunday’s victory, the 28-year-old made it clear he feels he played his part in that journey.
“I spent almost five years at Newcastle. And I believe I helped rebuild the club,” Guimarães said.
“I arrived at what, in my view, was one of the most difficult moments in the club’s history. My family and I decided to try something new.”
“I’m very happy with the opportunity I have here at Arsenal. Now it’s about continuing to work.
“I’m very happy to have started my first official game on the right foot, and winning a trophy was very important.”
His explanation fits neatly with what had been coming from Brazil throughout the transfer saga. And whatever happened behind the scenes, his first public explanation carries no bitterness towards his former club.
Instead, Guimarães clearly sees his Newcastle spell as a successful chapter which had simply reached its end.
Bruno Guimarães wants to “fight for everything”
The midfielder was signed by Arsenal for €87m (£75m), making him the fourth most expensive Brazilian footballer in history, according to ESPN Brazil.
His new surroundings also bring different immediate expectations. Arsenal ended a 22-year wait for the Premier League title last season and reached the Champions League final, where they lost to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties.
Guimarães believes the squad is equipped to challenge on every front again.
“It’s a very strong squad, with great players,” he said. “I think that’s the intention – to fight for everything, and we’re going for it.”
It is difficult to imagine a much cleaner start to his new chapter. After almost five years in which Guimarães feels he helped Newcastle rebuild, his first competitive Arsenal appearance brought a starting place, a 3-0 win over Manchester City and his first trophy.
Now, in his own words, the intention is to fight for everything.
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