Bruno Guimaraes has shed further light on his emotional Newcastle exit that left both him and his ex-team-mates in tears.

The Carabao Cup-winning captain travelled to La Manga to bid farewell to the Magpies before sealing his £75million Arsenal transfer and while he has no regrets over his decision, he admits the call left him feeling somewhat broken.

Guimaraes explained following the Premier League champions' hard-fought 2-2 Champions League draw against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena: "It was not just hard to tell Eddie [Howe], 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.

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"I remember, when I said bye to the lads, I was crying. They were crying as well, because we were a family there. But sometimes in your life you have to make decisions and, for me, I was at the club for five years and in my mind I needed a new challenge.

"I love to face a new challenge and for me to come here, to get a new challenge in my life, was something that I wanted. Sometimes in life you have to make decisions - and that was my decision."

While Guimaraes has now moved on - Arsenal travel to St James' Park on November 21 after the upcoming international break - he'll hold Newcastle in his heart forever.

He added: "It was very difficult for me because I had an amazing relationship with everyone at Newcastle. 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 and 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."