New Arsenal signing Bruno Guimaraes wears the No.39 shirt for a heartwarming reason

Bruno Guimaraes has completed his £75 million move to Arsenal and will keep the iconic No.39 shirt number that he made famous at Newcastle United.

The 28-year-old has signed an initial four-year contract in North London and has cited a desire to win more trophies as a main motivation behind his summer move.

Guimaraes captained Newcastle to their first trophy since 1955 when they won the Carabao Cup last year but feels he is now in a position to challenge for both the Premier League and Champions League with Mikel Arteta's side.

The Brazil international admitted it was 'one of the toughest decisions of his life' to leave Newcastle, but recognised it was too good an opportunity to turn down as he continues his remarkable rise since he left South America six years ago.

Why does Bruno Guimaraes wear the No.39 shirt?

Guimaraes has never forgotten his roots, having grown up in the São Cristóvão neighbourhood of Rio de Janeiro.

His father worked hard to support the family as a local taxi driver, with the No.39 brandished on the side of the vehicle. It was that car that not only earned the family their precious income, but also ensured Guimaraes could get to training and trials for teams as a child.

“My father was a taxi driver in Brazil for more than 20 years,” he told Arsenal club media. “The taxi, of course, gave me everything for my family, the place we live, the food, my clothes, everything.

“So when I got the chance to sign to a top club in Brazil, I asked my father which number I should take and he said 39. I was upset a little bit because I wanted to take the 97. He said: ‘No, no, take the 39. The 39 gave you everything.’

“I remember when I was like 11, 12 years old, my father drove me no matter where, always with the number 39. When I got to Athletico Paranaense, I went to do the medical. When I got my clothes and I opened [the bag], the number 39 was in there and I was very scared. I went to the kit man, and I said: ‘Why the 39?’

“He said: ‘Well, if you don’t want it, you can change it.’ I said: ‘No, no, no, it’s exactly what I want.’ At that moment, I called my father, and when I told him the story, he started to cry. He said: ‘I told you, this number is going to give you luck.’

“Since then, I’ve always been the 39. It means everything to me. I have the tattoo of the 39 as well.”