Bruno Guimarães has admitted he had sleepless nights over his decision to leave Newcastle United for Arsenal.

The 28-year-old spent four years at St James' Park, becoming captain in 2024 before moving to the Gunners for £75 million ($100 million) in the summer.

Newcastle sporting director Ross Wilson said at the time that the club had no wish to sell Guimarães during a turbulent transfer window -- in which several players including Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali were sold while manager Eddie Howe also departed -- but the midfielder pushed to leave.

Guimarães released a statement claiming it was "one of the toughest decisions of my life" and opened up about the transfer when speaking to reporters following Arsenal's 2-2 draw at Bayern Munich on Wednesday.

"It was very difficult for me because I had an amazing relationship with everyone at Newcastle," said Guimarães, who lifted the club's first domestic trophy in 70 years when Newcastle beat Liverpool in the 2025 Carabao Cup Final.

"I did my best for the club. I think I was there for almost five years and inside of me, I just wanted a new challenge. To be fair, 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.

"So, it was a difficult one. I lost many, many nights of sleep because it was difficult for me, for my family. But now I am here, I am just trying to give my best for Arsenal.

"I think I did great for Newcastle. We won a trophy after 70 years. We got into the Champions League twice. We got to two finals. I think I did what I could for the club. I wish them all the best because they were so nice to me. It is just time to move on. I have been enjoying my time here at Arsenal as well."

Guimarães had formed a close bond with Newcastle supporters and Howe and the Brazil international continued: "It was not just hard to tell Eddie, but to tell the owners, my team-mates. But I think the club went to a new rotation, a lot of players left as well. The gaffer left as well. It was tough, because my connection with the club was unbelievable.

"I never felt so loved like the way I was at Newcastle. I hope I can have the same love here at Arsenal, but the connection I had was unbelievable. It was hard for me to say bye to them. I remember, when I said bye to the lads, I was crying. They were crying as well, because we were a family there."

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Guimarães endured a slow start at Arsenal due to a nagging groin injury but he has now made 13 appearances so far and started back-to-back Champions League games for the first time in Munich.

Many Arsenal players speak about Mikel Arteta's meticulous attention to detail and Guimarães added: "We always want to win. That is the mentality that we go to the training ground with every day.

"He [Arteta] is always a little bit addicted to videos and the way that he can make us feel better on the pitch. I think we have a top manager with a top mentality. We want to win everything possible."