Bruno Guimaraes Focused on Arsenal, Delays Brazil Return

Bruno Guimaraes has ruled out any immediate return to Brazilian football, insisting his full focus is on Arsenal after his move from Newcastle United.

The 28-year-old midfielder said he would like to play again in his homeland one day, with Vasco da Gama and Athletico Paranaense the two clubs he holds closest. But he stressed that any such move belongs to the later stages of his career.

Quick facts

Guimaraes says he is focused on winning silverware with Arsenal.
He left Newcastle after almost five years and captained the club to its first trophy in 70 years.
Brazil play Australia in Townsville on Friday, September 25, then in Brisbane four days later.
Brazil then travel to Calcutta to face India on October 3.

“I would like to go back to Brazil and play for Vasco or Athletico, clubs for which I have great gratitude,” Guimaraes said. “But that is not on my mind now. I have only just joined Arsenal and I am concentrated on this challenge.”

He wants to win a title, earn his place and leave his mark in Arsenal colours as the Premier League champions aim to remain at the summit. Guimaraes added that the longer-term future is “in God’s hands”.

The Brazil international departed St James’ Park after becoming a central figure in Newcastle’s revival. He was the first Magpies captain in seven decades to lift a trophy, an achievement he said secured a lasting place for that squad in the club’s history.

Guimaraes said the emotional connection with Newcastle remains strong, but he felt ready to take on a different test after nearly five years in the North East. He thanked the club for what it had given him and said the time had come for a new environment.

“It is a fresh responsibility, one I wanted,” he said of Arsenal. “Changing from a routine you knew into a new one takes some adaptation, but I feel I am settling in well. I am very happy and excited by what is ahead.”

Guimaraes is now with Brazil in Australia alongside Arsenal team-mate Gabriel Magalhaes. The squad faces Australia twice before travelling to India, with the matches intended to help build the standards and culture Brazil want to carry forward.