Bruno Guimaraes makes feelings perfectly clear on Alexander Isak after Newcastle exit

Bruno Guimaraes has spoken out about Alexander Isak's departure from Newcastle to Liverpool, stating he harbours no ill feelings towards his former team-mate, who left in pursuit of trophies. The Toon captain remains optimistic about Newcastle's prospects, as they gear up for their Champions League opener against Barcelona.

Isak cited the lure of silverware as a key factor in his decision to move on transfer deadline day. Speaking to Chronicle Live, Guimaraes reflected on the situation: "I think football is business, I think the club made a choice, he's gone and I wish him all the best. I am grateful for everything we achieved together.

"But this is not the time to look at the past, it's time to look forward to the future at Newcastle. We have the Barca game and we are looking forward to it."

The ex-Lyon star also shared his personal aspirations and his belief that more triumphs like the Carabao Cup victory in March are on the horizon. As the first Newcastle skipper to hoist a trophy since Bobby Moncur in 1969, Guimaraes is eager to continue making history: "Yes I want to win things. I have never changed my mind and I still look to make history at this club.

"We have been in the Champions League two times in the last three years, that is unbelievable for us. We have to keep that going. There is a big job for us to do here and I want to be part of this team."

Regarding the potential retention of star players like Isak, Bruno admitted uncertainty: "I don't know exactly what the club can do."

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Eddie Howe has made it clear that Newcastle are not keen on losing their top talent, stating: "I am not looking under the table to see the circumstances and can't see everything that is going on. We don't want to lose our best players.

"If we want to be successful we have to keep our squad, we built very well in the summer and we have to go again."

Securing the future of key players like Sandro Tonali is crucial for the Magpies' ambitions, with a new deal reportedly in the pipeline for the Italian maestro. Guimaraes expressed his admiration for playing alongside the former AC Milan midfielder: "I enjoy playing at his side and I think we compliment each other and he enjoying playing with me as well.

"We have a very good connection. I think we have one of the best midfielders in the Premier League and now we have to prove it in the Champions League.

"The midfield is everything to the club as we have to attack, defend, build up, score goals, and it's nice to share the pitch with good players."

With the spotlight on them, Guimaraes and Newcastle are set to take centre stage in a highly anticipated clash against Barcelona. However, he remains cautious about their formidable opponents: "Barca are one of the best teams in the world and we have to fight until the final second to win the game."