Bruno Guimaraes Reveals Arsenal Trophy Ambition After £75m Newcastle Exit

Bruno Guimaraes says winning trophies at Arsenal is his main focus right now, even though he admits a return to Brazil is something he thinks about for later in his career, after completing a £75 million move from Newcastle United this summer.

The 28 year old midfielder has settled in quickly at the Emirates since leaving St James' Park, but speaking while away on international duty with Brazil, he addressed questions about where he might eventually finish his career. He made clear that while playing back home appeals to him one day, it is not something on his mind at the moment.

"Yes, I would like to return to Brazil, to play for Vasco [da Gama] or Athletico [Paranaense], teams I have a lot of gratitude for. But to be honest, I'm not thinking about that now. I just arrived at Arsenal, so I'm very focused. I want to win a championship there, I want to play, I want to make my mark with this new shirt. But ultimately, the future belongs to God," Guimaraes said.

Leaving Newcastle wasn't an easy call for Guimaraes, who had become something of a club legend during his time there, playing a big part in ending their long wait for silverware. He looked back fondly on what he built on Tyneside, even as he explained why he felt ready to move on.

"Newcastle is a club where I have a very beautiful history. I was the first captain to win a title there after 70 years, along with my teammates, so we made our mark on the club's history. I had already been at the club for almost 5 years, I felt inside that I needed a new challenge, I was ready for it, and I am very grateful to the club for everything it has given me," he said.

His switch to Arsenal marks a step up in expectations, joining a squad that are the reigning Premier League champions and still looking to stay at the top of English football. Guimaraes says he is embracing the challenge, even if the adjustment period takes some getting used to.

"Now, starting my journey at Arsenal, starting well, starting on the right foot. A new responsibility, which I really wanted to take on. I have to focus, because leaving a routine that I was already used to at the club and starting another one requires a little time, a little adaptation, but I think I'm doing well. I am very happy and excited about the new challenges," he said.

Guimaraes and Arsenal teammate Gabriel Magalhaes had a long trip to join up with the Brazil squad in Australia. They now face two friendlies against Australia, first in Townsville on Friday September 25, then in Brisbane four days later, before travelling to Calcutta to face India on October 3. For Guimaraes, the matches are about more than just the results, they are also part of building the identity he wants to see from this Brazil team going forward.