KIERAN TRIPPIER appeared to take a swipe at Bruno Guimaraes after the Newcastle star completed his £75million move to Arsenal.
Guimaraes has ended his four-year spell at St James’ Park by joining the Gunners in a blockbuster deal that has left Newcastle supporters heartbroken.
Bruno Guimaraes and Kieran Trippier were two of the most trusted members of the Newcastle team that enjoyed so much success over the past four years Credit: PA
Both have since left Newcastle in what is clearly an end of an era Credit: Alamy
The Brazilian midfielder had become a key figure on Tyneside since arriving from Lyon and quickly established himself as a fan favourite.
His departure has prompted an emotional reaction from Newcastle supporters online, with many struggling to come to terms with the loss of one of their most important players.
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One fan defended Guimaraes, saying they could not begrudge him the move after everything he had given Newcastle during his time at the club.
Another suggested that Trippier had also wanted to leave Newcastle.
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The now-Wolves defender then replied: “Didn’t want out, couldn’t get a super agent.”
Trippier’s comment immediately caught the attention of supporters.
One fan interpreted it as a dig at Guimaraes, while another suggested the former England international was simply being honest about his own experience.
It remains unclear whether Trippier was taking aim at Guimaraes or making a wider point about the role agents can play in securing major transfers.
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Bruno Guimaraes joined Arsenal for a fee of £75million Credit: Getty
There is an obvious rivalry between Trippier and Arsenal given his Tottenham connections, although the full-back’s remark could simply have been a tongue-in-cheek response to the discussion.
Guimaraes, meanwhile, has completed his move to the Emirates for a fee of £75m.
Arsenal will pay Newcastle the full amount with no add-ons, with the two clubs agreeing the fee on Wednesday.
The 28-year-old has already been welcomed by one of the men he has battled against countless times in the Premier League.
Declan Rice sent his new midfield partner a simple message as the transfer was being completed, and it perfectly summed up the rivalry they have shared in recent years.
Guimaraes revealed: “Very good, very good. Declan Rice sent me a message: ‘Come here and please no more fights, now we’re friends.’
“I was happy he messaged me, but the midfield we have here, in my point of view, is one of the best in Europe.”
Guimaraes will now look to form a formidable partnership with Rice in the Arsenal engine room.
Declan Rice has already sent a message to his new teammate Guimaraes Credit: Getty
Guimaraes will link up with some Brazilian teammates including Gabriel Magalhaes Credit: Reuters
The Brazilian has also developed a strong midfield relationship with Casemiro for his country and will be hoping to bring that experience to North London.
And he has already received a typically enthusiastic welcome from Arsenal’s Brazilian contingent.
Gabriel Magalhaes was among those desperate to see Guimaraes arrive and revealed just how keen he had been for the deal to happen.
Guimaraes added: “Only good things to be fair. Big Gabi was very excited. Every time he sent me the message, ‘We’ll wait for you, when will you come?’
“I’m so excited to join them, not only the Brazilians, we have an amazing squad here. I’m so excited to meet the other players, to start training. I just want to give my best.”
Guimaraes now begins a new chapter at Arsenal after four memorable years at Newcastle.
For the Toon faithful, though, his £75m departure represents the end of an era, and Trippier’s pointed comment has only added another layer to an already emotional transfer.
