Alan Shearer has warned Bruno Guimaraes not to expect a warm welcome when he returns to Newcastle United with Arsenal this season. The Brazilian joined Arsenal earlier this summer in a £75million deal following a lengthy transfer saga.
Frosty reception predicted
Guimaraes left St James' Park with more credit than Alexander Isak, who effectively downed tools, went on strike and then criticised the club, accusing the Magpies of breaking promises. However, Guimaraes made his desire to leave Tyneside very clear to the club, which eventually relented.
Therefore, he can expect a frosty reception when Arsenal play the Magpies at St James' Park on November 21, according to United legend and Betfair ambassador Shearer.
Via the Chronicle, he said: "I don't think it'll be as bad as Isak (who received a toxic welcome when he returned to St James' Park with Liverpool last Sunday), but I don't think it'll be a good reception. Ultimately, Bruno wanted to leave, which is fine. Everyone has their opinion and wants to move clubs at times."
Guimaraes' farewell message
He added: "But he wanted to leave and didn't want to be there any longer. I get that and understand that, but sometimes the fans of your club don't understand that."
Guimaraes described leaving Newcastle as the "toughest decision of my life." In a statement on the club website, he said: "When I arrived, the club was in a challenging position and I am incredibly proud of what we achieved 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."
In a farewell video posted on X, he added: "This farewell comes down to differences in ideas. Something that can happen in a relationship as beautiful, as strong and passionate as ours. Sometimes life leads us in a different direction."
Club's stance on sale
Sporting director Ross Wilson was adamant that the club had never wanted to part ways with Guimaraes, stating: "We didn't want to sell Bruno. It wasn't in the plan to sell Bruno. None of us - or ownership - wanted to sell Bruno."
"He's our captain, he was very, very important to us and the debate over his price - it's a world-record fee for a player of his age. What we had to weigh up was, very respectfully from Bruno, with his behaviour towards us, very emotionally as well, effectively told us he wanted to leave and move on."
