Bruno Guimaraes Breaks Silence on Newcastle Exit After Forcing Arsenal Move

Bruno Guimaraes’ Newcastle United career ended earlier this month when the club captain completed his desired £75 million (€87 million) transfer to Arsenal, becoming the fourth major departure, including Eddie Howe’s, during a summer of tectonic changes at St. James’ Park.

The Brazilian midfielder had remained silent about his reasoning for leaving Newcastle after almost five years on Tyneside, but that changed following his first competitive appearance for Arsenal, ending in his first trophy won with the Gunners, in a 3-0 Community Shield victory over Manchester City on Sunday.

Speaking to ESPN Brazil after the game, Guimaraes explained that his family decided the time had come for a new experience after what he considers a successful period helping transform Newcastle on his own.

“I spent almost five years at Newcastle. And I believe I helped rebuild the club,” Guimaraes 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.”

In truth, there’s some reality to that. While he didn’t do it alone, Guimaraes arrived from Lyon in January 2022 with Newcastle fighting relegation and slowly but surely he became one of the key figures in the club’s rise from the bottom. Bruno eventually inherited the captaincy and helped Newcastle end its decades-long domestic trophy drought.

The 28-year-old’s comments suggest his decision was about closing that chapter rather than having any ill feelings toward his now-former club.

“I’m very happy with the opportunity I have here at Arsenal,” Guimaraes said. “Now it’s about continuing to work.”

His Arsenal career could hardly have started better. Guimaraes started against Manchester City and immediately collected his first trophy with the Gunners, contributing to the first title of Mikel Arteta’s 2026/27 campaign.

“I’m very happy to have started my first official game on the right foot, and winning a trophy was very important,” Guimaraes said. “It’s a very strong squad, with great players. I think that’s the intention – to fight for everything, and we’re going for it.”

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