Viktor Gyokeres' first words set tone for Arsenal impact
Viktor Gyokeres has urged supporters to judge him on his own merits after being unveiled as an Arsenal player and handed the iconic No 14 shirt.
The Swedish striker completed a £54.8m move from Sporting CP to the North London club earlier this week, bringing an end to a protracted transfer saga that saw him train alone in Portugal.
Arsenal announced the deal during their pre-season tour of Asia, with Gyokeres immediately generating headlines after his shirt broke sales records in the first 24 hours.
“I know what the number means here,” Gyokeres told reporters. “But it wasn’t really about that. There weren’t many options left and I just wanted a number that felt right. I’m not here to replace anyone. I want to show who I am.”
The No 14 shirt was famously worn by Thierry Henry, Arsenal’s all-time leading goalscorer, and has carried significant weight since the Frenchman’s departure. But manager Mikel Arteta said he was encouraged by Gyokeres’ calm approach and focus on the team rather than individual expectations.
“What I liked most was how direct and clear Viktor was,” Arteta said. “He understands what it means to play for this club and he didn’t hesitate. He knows the responsibility, but he’s here to be himself and contribute to what we’re building.”
The 27-year-old returns to English football after a brief and largely forgettable stint at Brighton, where he failed to make a Premier League appearance.
However, he reinvented himself in Portugal, scoring 97 goals in 104 appearances for Sporting and helping them secure a domestic double last season.
Arsenal had tracked Gyokeres since the start of the year, with interest from other clubs — including Manchester United — intensifying as the deal dragged on. But the forward said his mind was made up from the start.
“For me it was a clear decision,” he said. “This is a huge club, and I’ve always wanted to challenge myself in the Premier League again.”
The striker has already begun training with his new teammates and said club captain Martin Odegaard has helped him settle quickly. He is expected to feature in Arsenal’s final pre-season matches and confirmed he will be fit to face Manchester United on the opening weekend.
“Yes, I’ll be ready,” Gyokeres said. “I can’t wait.”
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