Bruno Guimaraes has opened up on his emotional Newcastle United exit, revealing that both he and his former teammates were in tears when he said goodbye, and admitting he does not believe he will ever feel as loved as he did on Tyneside.
The Brazilian became a cult hero at St James' Park over nearly five years, captaining the club to their first domestic trophy in 70 years with the Carabao Cup win over Liverpool in 2025. His departure came in the summer when he told the club he wanted to leave and pushed for a move to Arsenal, completing a £75million transfer in July.
A difficult farewell in La Manga
The 28-year-old travelled to La Manga to bid farewell to the Magpies before sealing his switch. While he has no regrets over his decision, he admits it caused sleepless nights and left him feeling broken amid emotional scenes with his former teammates and Eddie Howe.
Speaking after Arsenal's 2-2 Champions League draw with Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena, Guimaraes explained: "It was not just hard to tell Eddie [Howe], but to tell the owners, my team-mates.
"But I think the club went to a new rotation, a lot of players left as well. The gaffer left as well. It was tough, because my connection with the club was unbelievable."
"I never felt so loved"
Guimaraes added: "I never felt so loved like the way I was at Newcastle. I hope I can have the same love here at Arsenal, but the connection I had was unbelievable. It was hard for me to say bye to them.
"I remember, when I said bye to the lads, I was crying. They were crying as well, because we were a family there. But sometimes in your life you have to make decisions and, for me, I was at the club for five years and in my mind I needed a new challenge.
"I love to face a new challenge and for me to come here, to get a new challenge in my life, was something that I wanted. Sometimes in life you have to make decisions - and that was my decision."
Legacy and moving on
Guimaraes, who will return to St James' Park with Arsenal on November 21 after the international break, believes his legacy at Newcastle remains strong despite the manner of his exit.
He said: "It was very difficult for me because I had an amazing relationship with everyone at Newcastle. I did my best for the club. I think I was there for almost five years and inside of me, I just wanted a new challenge.
"To be fair, it was very tough for me to make this decision because I really enjoyed my time at the club, the affection I had for the fans. So, it was a difficult one. I lost many, many nights of sleep because it was difficult for me and for my family. But now I am here, I am just trying to give my best for Arsenal. I think I did great for Newcastle.
"We won a trophy after 70 years. We got into the Champions League twice. We got to two finals. I think I did what I could for the club. I wish them all the best because they were so nice to me. It is just time to move on. I have been enjoying my time here at Arsenal as well."
