Bruno Guimaraes has already angered Newcastle fans with claim in first interview as Arsenal player Bruno Guimaraes appears to have wasted little time making his feelings clear after completing his move from Newcastle United to Arsenal. The Brazilian midfielder’s transfer has been one of the biggest talking points of the summer, particularly given his importance to Newcastle since arriving at St James’ Park. His departure has inevitably left a bitter taste among sections of the Newcastle support, but comments surrounding his move have now added another layer to the situation. Guimaraes is understood to have made it clear that he wanted to leave Newcastle and pursue a new challenge. Newcastle sporting director Ross Wilson recently explained that the midfielder had effectively told the club he no longer wanted to remain and wanted to move on. That revelation has understandably frustrated some Newcastle supporters, who had previously viewed Guimaraes as one of the central figures in the club’s ambitious project. The 28-year-old had become a huge favourite on Tyneside after establishing himself as one of Newcastle’s most important players. His performances, personality and commitment on the pitch helped him develop a strong relationship with the supporters. However, his move to Arsenal means that relationship has now changed dramatically. Guimaraes makes feelings clear What appears to have particularly irritated Newcastle fans is the message surrounding Guimaraes’ first interview as an Arsenal player. Rather than portraying the transfer as a difficult decision or simply focusing on his appreciation for his former club, the midfielder has made it clear that Arsenal was a destination he wanted. That is unlikely to go down well with Newcastle supporters, especially those who believed Guimaraes was fully committed to remaining part of the club’s long-term project. Newcastle had spent considerable time building a team around the Brazilian, and losing him to a Premier League rival is naturally a painful outcome. There is also the added frustration that Arsenal are not simply another club competing for his services. The Gunners are one of Newcastle’s direct rivals at the top end of English football, making the transfer considerably more difficult for supporters to accept. Newcastle knew he wanted out The situation also appears to have been more straightforward behind the scenes than some fans initially believed. Wilson’s comments suggested that Newcastle were aware of Guimaraes’ desire to leave and had to make a difficult decision over whether to keep a player who no longer wanted to continue at the club. He explained that Guimaraes had communicated his desire to move on, meaning Newcastle had to weigh the benefits of retaining a hugely influential midfielder against the possibility of keeping an unhappy player. That is an important part of the story because it suggests the transfer was not simply a case of Newcastle willingly selling one of their best players. Guimaraes wanted a new challenge, and Arsenal eventually provided him with that opportunity. A painful transfer for Newcastle From Newcastle’s perspective, replacing Guimaraes will be one of the biggest challenges of the summer. The midfielder was not only technically gifted but also capable of controlling matches, progressing the ball and providing the intensity that has become synonymous with Newcastle’s midfield. His departure therefore leaves Eddie Howe’s side with a significant hole to fill. For Arsenal, however, the situation is completely different. The Gunners have managed to bring in a player with extensive Premier League experience and a reputation for performing in high-pressure matches. Guimaraes also arrives with a detailed understanding of English football, meaning he should not require the same adaptation period as a player arriving from another league. Newcastle fans won’t forget this easily Guimaraes’ legacy at Newcastle is unlikely to disappear overnight. Whatever supporters may now think about his decision to leave, his contribution during his time at St James’ Park remains significant. He helped Newcastle establish themselves as a serious force in English football and was one of the players most closely associated with their transformation. But football supporters are emotional, and seeing a beloved player leave for a rival can quickly change perceptions. His first comments as an Arsenal player have therefore created an uncomfortable situation. What Guimaraes sees as an honest explanation of his career decision could easily be interpreted by Newcastle fans as confirmation that he had already mentally moved on from the club. For Arsenal supporters, meanwhile, the comments will likely be welcomed. They will hope Guimaraes can quickly reproduce the form that made him such an important figure at Newcastle and help Arsenal compete at the highest level. The midfielder’s decision to leave Newcastle may have closed one chapter of his career, but his move to Arsenal has opened another — and judging by the reaction already developing, the rivalry between Guimaraes and his former club could be one of the more intriguing storylines to follow next season.