Top striker: Viktor Gyokeres
Arsenal Football Newsletter
Viktor Gyokeres has issued a thank you message to Sporting Lisbon despite being fined by his former club for trying to force through a move to Arsenal.
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The striker refused to train or play for the Portuguese side over the summer in a bid to accelerate a move to the Premier League.
The Swedish international was handed a reported £306,000 fine by the Liga Portugal champions for refusing to turn up for pre-season training.
Later in the transfer window, the former Coventry and Brighton forward sealed a £63.5million move back to England.
Now, however, any animosity between Gyokeres and Sporting seems to have died down, with the Swede thanking them after he received the Primeira Liga’s Player of the Year award for the 2024-25 season on Wednesday.
"I am really honoured to receive this amazing award," he said.
"Unfortunately, I cannot be there in person to receive it, but I would like to thank the players, the staff, everyone at the club and the Sporting fans who made this possible with their support during the season.
"It was an unforgettable season, we won both the Primeira Liga and the cup. Thank you all, and congratulations to the other nominees and winners. Thank you to those who voted for me. I love you all."
In 102 games for the club, Gyokeres netted 97 times. Last term, he scored 54 goals in 52 games.