Arsenal midfielder Bruno Guimaraes has revealed how Gabriel Magalhaes helped convince him to join the club and how Declan Rice welcomed him despite their previous rivalry.
Speaking to beIN Sports before Sunday’s Premier League encounter against Liverpool, the Brazilian discussed his adaptation to life at Arsenal and his relationships with his new teammates.
Guimaraes admitted that he is still settling into his surroundings but expressed appreciation for the reception he has received from supporters.
“My job here is, of course, always trying to play my best and give happiness to the fans,” he said. “I still have to be 100% feeling at home. I’m still getting there, but so far I have been enjoying my moment here at Arsenal.”
The midfielder also explained that Gabriel, whom he knows through the Brazilian national team, played an important role in encouraging his move.
Guimaraes revealed that the defender began urging him to join Arsenal after learning that the club had submitted an offer.
“When he found out that they made an offer, he was pushing me to come,” Guimaraes explained. “He was very important. He was desperate for me to join him here.”
The former Newcastle United midfielder also discussed his developing partnership with Rice, having previously faced the England international as an opponent.
Guimaraes revealed that Rice contacted him before his arrival with a light-hearted message about their past confrontations.
“Since he found out that I would come here, he started to message me and say, ‘No more fights, now we’re friends,'” he recalled.
The Brazilian described Rice as one of the world’s finest midfielders and praised his influence on Arsenal’s performances.
“He’s an unbelievable player. For me, he’s a machine, one of the best midfielders in the world,” he added.
Guimaraes also highlighted their growing understanding, revealing that Rice had assisted both of his Arsenal goals before the Liverpool fixture.
The interview took place ahead of Arsenal’s attempt to end a 14-year wait for a Premier League victory at Anfield.
Guimaraes acknowledged Liverpool’s quality but insisted that Arsenal were approaching the encounter with excitement rather than anxiety.
“We don’t feel the pressure. We just are very excited for the game and we want to make things different now,” he said.
Arsenal subsequently secured a historic 1-0 victory over Liverpool, with Kai Havertz converting Rice’s first-half cross.
The result ended the Gunners’ long-standing Anfield drought and returned Arsenal to the top of the Premier League table.
For Guimaraes, the victory provided another encouraging moment in his developing Arsenal career as the champions continued their title defence.