Bruno Guimaraes has made clear that winning trophies and establishing his own legacy at Arsenal are his priorities following his summer move from Newcastle United.
The Brazilian midfielder discussed his ambitions during a press conference on international duty with Brazil in Brisbane on Wednesday.
Guimaraes was asked whether he eventually intends to return to Brazilian football, with Vasco da Gama and former club Athletico Paranaense among the teams close to his heart.
However, the 28-year-old stressed that such plans remain firmly in the future because his attention is currently on succeeding with Arsenal.
“I just arrived at Arsenal, so I’m very focused,” Guimaraes said. “I want to win a championship there, I want to play, I want to make my mark with this new shirt.”
Guimaraes joined the Gunners from Newcastle during the summer in a £75million deal after almost five years at St James’ Park.
He left Newcastle having already achieved one of his major ambitions in English football, captaining the Magpies when they ended their lengthy wait for domestic silverware.
Guimaraes said he remained extremely grateful to his former club but felt the time had arrived to embrace a different challenge.
“Now, starting my journey at Arsenal, starting well, starting on the right foot,” he added. “A new responsibility, which I really wanted to take on.”
The Brazil international has already provided an early indication of what he can contribute to Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta’s midfield.
Guimaraes scored his first Arsenal goal in the 2-0 victory over Sunderland earlier this month, curling an excellent finish into the top corner just 121 seconds after David Raya had saved Enzo Le Fee’s penalty.
That result helped Arsenal extend their perfect opening to the Premier League season to four matches.
Their winning start subsequently ended in emphatic fashion with Saturday’s 3-0 defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion, when Guimaraes was substituted shortly before the hour mark.
The international break therefore gives Arsenal an opportunity to regroup before returning to the defence of the Premier League title they won last season.
Guimaraes’ comments underline his desire to play a significant part in that pursuit rather than simply add another major club to his career.
Having helped Newcastle make history, the midfielder now wants to build a similar legacy in north London.
His long-term ambition may include eventually returning home to represent Vasco or Athletico Paranaense, but for now his objective is considerably closer: win trophies and make his mark in an Arsenal shirt.