In his first interview since joining Arsenal from Newcastle for £75 million, Bruno Guimarães said he would be a “warrior” for Arsenal.
The Brazilian player made his official debut on Saturday, becoming the club's fourth signing this summer and so far their biggest, fueling Mikel Arteta's pursuit of a new midfielder over the past year. Arteta hopes the new signing can compete with players like Reics and Martin Zubimendi.
Guimarães left Newcastle after four years, during which time he developed into one of Europe's best midfielders. Now, he hopes to lift trophies more often, having only won one League Cup with the Magpies.
“I feel great, I feel fantastic,” he told Arsenal. “I’m delighted to have this opportunity.”
“I was excited from the first time I spoke with Berta and Arteta. I just felt that I needed a new challenge in my life. I thought that becoming an Arsenal player would be an exciting challenge in my life.”
He added, "I feel that after playing in two World Cups, I've reached this stage in my life, and I need this kind of challenge. I want to win trophies, I want to make history, I feel like I've come to the right place, and I'm looking forward to starting a new journey. We have a lot of tough games to play this season, so the squad will be very, very important, and I hope we can achieve our dream."
Arsenal signed Guimarães hoping he would both raise the team's floor and its ceiling. The 28-year-old midfielder has promised to bring his tough, tackling style to North London.
“I can pass the ball, I can run a lot, and I can play like a warrior. I will never give up,” he said. “I will try my best to help the team. I have good ball control, I am calm and composed, and I can score a few goals many times. I hope to make everyone here very, very happy.”
Guimarães remembered all the messages Arsenal fans sent him during the long transfer saga.
He said, "I want to say thank you for everything you've done for me. I'm so excited to join you all, and I promise I'll give it my all. Like I said, I'm your soldier, and I'll never give up. I hope we can create many, many wonderful memories together."
