Bruno Guimaraes has confirmed that he left Newcastle United to join Arsenal this summer as he “needed a new challenge.”

The Brazil international stunned Magpies fans in August by leaving St James’ Park after a hugely successful four-and-a-half year spell at the club, which included lifting their first major trophy in 70 years as captain.

Guimaraes repeatedly revealed his love for Newcastle during his time at the club and his departure was therefore an immensely frustrating one for supporters, who believed he would snub Arsenal’s interest in favour of remaining with the 2025 Carabao Cup winners.

However, the 28-year-old opted to accept the opportunity to join Mikel Arteta’s side, despite strong competition for places in midfield, and he has now admitted the true reason for his €87.5 million Newcastle exit.

Bruno Guimaraes issues Newcastle exit message

“I remember, when I said bye to the lads, I was crying. They were crying as well, because we were a family there,” Guimaraes admitted to The Sun.

“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. I lost many, many nights of sleep because it was difficult for me, for my family.

“But sometimes in your life you have to make decisions and, for me, I was at the club for nearly 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.”

Guimaraes has already scored two goals in 10 games for Arsenal - including the winner against Leeds United earlier this month - and he started alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard during their 2-2 draw versus Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

“I had an amazing relationship with everyone at Newcastle. I never felt so loved like the way I was at Newcastle,” he added. “I hope I can have the same love here at Arsenal, but the connection I had was unbelievable.

“It was not just hard to tell Eddie [Howe] I was leaving, 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 very difficult for me because 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. 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.”