On Saturday 8 August Bruno Guimaraes completed a £75m move from Newcastle United to Arsenal.
After four and a half years on Tyneside the Brazil international moving on as he nears his 29th birthday.
Bruno Guimaraes has now spoken to ESPN Brazil about making the move from the Magpies to the Gunners.
He spoke to the Brazilian media after making his semi-competitive debut for Arsenal, as they won 3-0 against Manchester City in the Community Shield.
The now former Newcastle United captain claiming it wasn’t to do with the chance to pick up far higher wages.
Bruno Guimaraes asked by ESPN Brazil why he left NUFC: “I spent almost five years at Newcastle United and I believe I helped rebuild the club. I arrived at a more difficult time in the club’s history. From my point of view and my family, I decided to try something new…”
Arsenal kick off their Premier League season on Friday night at home to Coventry.
Bruno Guimaraes expected to make his first proper competitive appearance for the Gunners in that match, the new signing going on to say: *“I am very happy with my opportunity here at Arsenal and now it’s about continuing to work. Very happy to start on the right foot in my first official game, winning the title [Community Shield] was very important. Arsenal have a very strong squad, great players, the intention is to fight for everything [all trophies] and we are going for it.”*
Back on Saturday 8 August, this is what the departing NUFC captain had to say to Newcastle United fans.
Bruno Guimaraes tried to explain his decision to leave Newcastle United…: “This is one of the toughest decisions of my life. When I arrived, the club was in a challenging position and I am incredibly proud of what we achieved together. I fell in love with this place. I really mean that. From my first day, the supporters, my teammates, Eddie and the staff, and everyone connected with the club made me and my family feel at home.”
Bruno Guimaraes going on to say: “I thank PIF, our chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan and Jamie Reuben for everything they have done for me and for this football club. I also want to say thank you to David and Ross for the huge respect to me throughout this process. They did everything they could to keep me at Newcastle, and I am very grateful for our time together. This move is very tough because Newcastle means so much to me, but I wanted to experience something new in my life. I feel ready for a new challenge for myself and my family. I had a very positive conversation with Matthias Jaissle, and I leave knowing the club is in very good hands.”
Bruno Guimaraes giving this final message to the Newcastle United fans: “To the supporters, thank you will never be enough, but I say it with all my heart. I will always be proud to have been part of this club’s journey. Thank you for everything.”