Bruno Guimaraes has revealed that his Newcastle United exit came down to a 'difference of ideas' between himself and the club. The Brazil international was confirmed as an Arsenal player on Saturday in a £75million move.
Guimaraes' Emotional Farewell
Guimaraes established himself as a fan-favourite and leader at St. James' Park but decided it was time to leave the club this summer. The midfielder, 28, had two years remaining on his contract but told Magpies' chiefs that he wanted to leave the club if a suitable offer arrived.
Having failed to qualify for the Champions League for the upcoming season, Newcastle have seen several key players depart. Anthony Gordon left for Barcelona, while Sandro Tonali joined Tottenham in a £100million deal, less than 12 months on from Alexander Isak's exit to Liverpool.
Ambitions and Explanation
With Eddie Howe out of the door, it has become a transformational summer for the north-east club, and it appears that plans moving forward did not align with what Guimaraes wanted to achieve. The former Lyon ace made clear his ambitions after confirming his move to the Gunners.
"I want to win trophies, I want to make history and I think I'm in the right place to do it. I'm so excited to start," he said.
But in a message to Newcastle fans on his Instagram, Guimaraes attempted to explain his decision in an emotional video.
"Dear Geordies, today is the time to say goodbye," he said.
"First of all I want to thank you for everything we have lived together for almost five years. It was a pleasure for me to wear the black and white shirt.
"I gave my best from day one on the pitch and off the pitch. Your support made everything feel easy for me on the pitch. Your affection, love and respect for me and my family was unbelievable.
"I knew I am Brazilian but I am sure a second part of me is a Geordie. It was here my family grew with the arrival of my two sons. Both Matteo and Pietro and they also experienced unforgettable moments with us at St. James' Park and they will always carry those memories with them.
"It was an incredible privilege to be part of this club, a rebuilding journey alongside all of you. We grew together, we dreamed together and we won together.
"This farewell comes down to a difference of ideas, something that can happen in a relationship as beautiful, as strong and as passionate as ours. Sometimes life leads us in a different direction.
"I would like to thank Mehrdad [Ghodoussi], Amanda [Staveley], Jamie [Reuben], Eddie [Howe], and everyone who brought me to this amazing club. This adventure will always be in my mind, and I am grateful to live this with you guys.
"In my name, and the name of my family, I thank you for everything we have done together. I will never forget. The chants of 'Bruno, Bruno, Bruno' I won't forget. It was unbelievable to be a Geordie."
