Bruno Guimaraes shares that Declan Rice sent a short 10-word message before his Arsenal move.
Bruno Guimaraes has shared the 10-word message that Declan Rice sent him before his big move to Arsenal.
After weeks of rumors, the former Newcastle United captain Guimaraes has officially joined Premier League champions Arsenal in a huge transfer.
Bruno is the latest star to leave St James’ Park, following players like Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali, and Kieran Trippier.
He has signed a four-year contract with Arsenal, keeping him at the club until June 2030, with an option to extend it further.
After the £75 million transfer was confirmed, Newcastle United made a straightforward statement, while Guimaraes thanked fans and said it was “one of the toughest decisions” of his life.
In his first interview as an Arsenal player, the 28-year-old revealed that Declan Rice actually sent him a message on social media before the move.
Rice’s message was: “Come here and please no more fights, now we’re friends.” Bruno said he was happy to get that message.
The two have had some tough battles on the pitch when playing against each other, so it seems Rice wanted to clear the air before they became teammates.
Bruno also said some of his Brazilian teammates at Arsenal—Gabriel Magalhaes, Gabriel Martinelli, and Gabriel Jesus—have only told him great things about the club.
“Big Gabi was really excited,” Guimaraes said. “He kept asking me, ‘When will you come? We’re waiting for you!’”
He added, “I’m really excited to join them and the whole squad. I can’t wait to meet everyone and start training. I just want to do my best.”
Guimaraes will now play alongside Rice and Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard in midfield.
He believes their midfield is not just one of the best in the Premier League but also in Europe.
He said, “From my point of view, our midfield here is one of the best in Europe. Everyone is amazing, and I’m excited to get to know them and play together.”
Since joining Newcastle from Lyon in 2022, Guimaraes has scored 30 goals and made 25 assists in 153 Premier League games.
Speaking directly to Arsenal fans, he said, “I can pass well, run a lot, and play like a warrior—I’ll never give up. I want to help the team, stay calm, and sometimes score goals to make everyone happy.”
Guimaraes could make his Arsenal debut as soon as Sunday in the Emirates Cup final against Borussia Dortmund in London.