Bruno Guimaraes slammed for desperate Arsenal 'PR stunt' ahead of Newcastle United return
Bruno Guimaraes will return to Newcastle United with Arsenal in the Premier League next month.
Bruno Guimaraes has discussed his struggles leaving Newcastle United to join Arsenal over the summer - but supporters aren’t buying it.
The Brazilian midfielder has revealed he had sleepless nights after making the decision to leave a club where he had ‘never felt so loved’.
But less than a month ahead of his return to St James’ Park in the Premier League with Arsenal on November 21 (5:30pm kick-off), many Newcastle fans have called Guimaraes out for an attempted PR stunt to help win back some favour from the Toon Army.
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Bruno Guimaraes on NUFC departure
When asked about his decision to join Arsenal, Guimaraes revealed: “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. I never felt so loved like the way I was at Newcastle. I hope I can have the same love here at Arsenal, the connection I had was unbelievable.
“When I said bye to the lads, I was crying. They were crying as well, because we were a family there.”
Guimaraes left Newcastle following a 12th-place finish in the Premier League to join the champions. His departure followed the exits of Sandro Tonali to Tottenham Hotspur and Anthony Gordon to Barcelona.
The Brazilian made 195 appearances for the Magpies, scoring 31 goals. He also ended last season as the club’s top goalscorer in the Premier League with nine despite missing two months of the season due to injury.
“I think I did great for Newcastle,” Guimaraes added. “We won a trophy after 70 years. We got into the Champions League twice. We got to two [Carabao Cup] finals. I think I did what I could for the club.
“But sometimes in your life you have to make decisions, 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.”
NUFC supporters: Boos at the ready
Responding to the comments on social media, one supporter wrote: “The PR machine in full swing.”
Another added: “Talk is cheap. It's very simple. Want to be remembered as a Club Legend? Act like a Club Legend.”
One said: “See you at SJP 21st November. It will be a new experience for you. You won’t be feeling the love.”
Looking past the comments, another fan replied: “Boo's at the ready.”
Before adding: “I don't care what anyone tries to tell me about big clubs this and that. Arsenal could win the league this year, and it would never be as special as what he achieved here. Relegation bound to CL and a Trophy. Not the same moving to an established club who wins things anyway.”
But some still hold a degree of affection for the former Newcastle captain.
“Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, I personally don’t have any hatred for Bruno. Like I don’t for [Anthony] Gordon and [Sandro] Tonali either. [Alexander] Isak was different.”