Bruno Guimaraes is ready to be our warrior and build a legacy after making his move to Arsenal from Newcastle United.
The Brazilian midfielder put pen to paper on a long-term contract to bolster Mikel Arteta’s side ahead of our Premier League title defence.
In his first interview as a Gunner, Bruno stated his objective is simple: to win trophies in N5.
“I'm very excited,” he said. “I’m at the point of my life where I need a challenge like this. I want to win trophies, I want to make history and I think I'm in the right place to do it. I'm so excited to start.”
Bruno is no stranger to our midfield, facing us on numerous occasions since arriving in the Premier League in 2022.
After many battles with our engine room, the Brazilian has now been welcomed by fellow midfielder Declan Rice.
He said: “Rice sent me a message: ‘Come here and please no more fights, now we’re friends!’ I was happy he messaged me.
“In my point of view, [the Arsenal midfield] is one of the best in Europe. Everyone is an amazing player.
“Every time when I play against [Arsenal] it was very tough. They keep the ball, they defend like one. I think that combination is the way I like to play as well, and of course, joining the winners of the league is always a big opportunity.”
When asked what he can bring to our midfield unit, Bruno said: “I can pass the ball, run a lot and play like a warrior, I'll never give up. I will try to help the team, [I’m] good with the ball, composed, very calm, and sometimes I can score some goals and hope to make everyone very, very happy here.”
Bruno’s career has been shaped by big moments. Winning trophies in Brazil, collecting an Olympic gold medal and lifting silverware with Newcastle. But the Brazilian wants more, much more.
“It's massive what I have done so far, but I want more. I want to win for Arsenal. I want to win more trophies in my career, and I think I'm in the right place, at my peak at 28 years old.
“I'm so excited to join. Here, wearing this shirt, you have to go for winning trophies, winning everything we can and make history.
“I want to put my name in the club history. Someday, when I leave, I want players to come here and say I want to do exactly what Bruno did for the club.
“I think it's the best thing that a player can do for the club: create history and inspire the young.”
Bruno is set to become the 17th Brazilian to play in the famous Arsenal red and there’s one former Brazilian midfielder he’s looking to emulate.
“Of course, Gilberto Silva. I love him as a player,” he said. “I had the opportunity before to talk to Gilberto Silva. I hope I can follow his history here and make myself one of the very good players at Arsenal in history.”
The midfielder will continue his tradition of wearing number 39, a number he holds close to his heart.
“It means everything to me. I have the tattoo of the 39 as well. My father was a taxi driver in Brazil for more than 20 years. The taxi, of course, gave me everything for my family, the place we live, the food, my clothes, everything.
“So when I got the chance to sign to a top club in Brazil, I asked my father which number I should take and he said 39. I was upset a little bit because I wanted to take the 97. He said: ‘No, no, take the 39. The 39 gave you everything.’
“When I got to Athletico Paranaense, I went to do the medical and when I opened [my bag], the number 39 was in there and I was very scared. I went to the kit man and I said: ‘Why 39?’ He said: ‘Well, if you don't want it, you can change it.’ I said: ‘No, no, no, it's exactly what I want!’
“At that moment, I called my father and when I told him the history, he started to cry. He said: ‘I told you, this number is going to give you luck.’ Since then, I've always been the 39.”
When delivering his message to supporters, Bruno vowed to never give up and is keen to create everlasting memories with us.
“The message for me is thank you for everything you have done. All the messages you gave me, I'm so excited to join you. I will give you my best, I promise. Like I said, I'm your warrior, I'll never give up. Hopefully we can create many, many good memories together.”
Press play to listen to the full interview with our new number 39.
