Viktor Gyokeres left Sporting Lisbon under a cloud last summer, having gone AWOL to push through his move to Arsenal. He has since scored 11 goals in the Premier League for Arsenal this season, though the London club has suffered back-to-back defeats in their last two games before facing Sporting Lisbon. During his time in Portugal, Gyokeres scored 97 goals in 102 matches for Sporting Lisbon, a remarkable achievement that solidified his legacy.
Sporting legend Ricardo Sa Pinto described Gyokeres as one of the best, if not the best, deals in Sporting's history, highlighting the striker's immense impact on the club. Sporting Lisbon have been crowned Portuguese champions three times in the past five seasons, showcasing their domestic dominance. 3 million euros over that period, which reflects strong financial management.
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Sporting Lisbon have reached the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time in the Champions League era, marking a significant milestone in their European campaign. Sporting manager Rui Borges believes Arsenal's style of play was the reason for Viktor Gyokeres' initial struggles at Arsenal, suggesting an adjustment period was needed. Borges also believes Viktor Gyokeres will be welcomed by everyone at Sporting because he marked the history of the club, emphasizing his contributions.
Reactions from within Sporting are mixed, with varying perspectives on his return. Sporting Lisbon star Maxi Araujo described the group and himself as happy for Gyokeres' departure, wishing him the best, indicating some players supported his move. A poll by Maisfutebol shows 53% of respondents believe Viktor Gyokeres will be welcomed with applause, 24% with whistles, and the rest say it doesn't matter, illustrating the divided fan sentiment.
He was one of the best, if not the best, deals in their history. First, in footballing terms, without a doubt a top signing - one of the most impressive players Sporting have ever had. Then financially as well. At the time, people were a bit apprehensive - paying around 20m euros for a Coventry player, with no real track record or CV. He had talent, everyone could see that, but still. So full credit must go to the recruitment department, because they identified a huge opportunity. Of course, we would all have liked him to stay, but at 26 or 27, after two great seasons, it's natural for a player to want to move to another league, a different level, with different objectives.
It was sad. But there was nothing I could have done differently. It wasn't something I could control.
He should still be welcomed with a huge ovation and real gratitude from all of us. Of course, departures are always complicated.
I believe in the initial stage he had to adapt, given the style of play, and how Arsenal plays. But he is still a great forward and now he is back to what he does well which is scoring goals. During the first stage, the [Arsenal] fans were suspicious given what they paid for him, but little by little the truth came to the surface and he is a really great player and he will keep scoring goals.
He is a great player, and I am sure he will be welcomed by everyone because he marked the history of Sporting, and he deserves this acknowledgement. I always try to be balanced, and I try to understand everyone. He had the ambition, and after talking to the management, they came to an understanding. So ultimately everything that happened was correct for both sides; both Sporting and the player got what they wanted. He wanted to take that step in his career and we respect that. Players will change, but the club stays the same, and Sporting will go on winning. I wish him all the best and I am sure he will be very welcome here because the admiration we have for him is great.
The group and I were happy for him, he deserved it. He did something incredible for Sporting. Personally, and I think the whole group was happy for his departure. I wish him the best.
It will always be nice to meet Viktor because he has done so much for the club, given us so much. It is someone we care about and like.