Viktor Gyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting CP (Image: Getty Images)
The uncle of Sporting Clube de Portugal's sensation, Viktor Gyokeres, has scoffed at rumours of a summer departure amidst interest from Manchester United.
Gyokeres has been on a scintillating run for the Portuguese outfit, racking up a staggering 96 goals in 101 appearances over the last two campaigns.
After netting another crucial goal against Vitoria to secure consecutive Liga Betclic titles for Sporting, Gyokeres’ uncle, Chris, whilst draped in a Sporting scarf and kit, expressed immense joy following the triumph, exclaiming: "I'm super happy, this is amazing.
"We were here last year, it's the same spirit, the same people, the same atmosphere. Absolutely fantastic! Beyond words!".
At a dinner gathering just the previous evening, Chris revealed that there had been family conversations regarding Viktor’s future, confirming their affinity for the club by stating: "Yes, very much... yesterday at dinner we decided that he has to stay."
When probed on whether Gyokeres would indeed stick with Sporting beyond the summer, his uncle responded optimistically yet concisely, saying: "Yes, we think so.
"We hope so, because watch this, we love it, it's amazing, the country, the people and Sporting. And the lions, we love them!"
Gyokeres remained more reserved than his uncle when asked about his prospects ahead of Sunday's Taca de Portugal final against arch-rivals Benfica.
Speaking to Noticias, he said: "Hopefully you can expect I keep improving and score goals."
Pressed on the possibility of a move in the summer, the ex-Coventry City and Brighton star responded: "We'll see. It's the future. Football is like that, you never know what's going to happen.
"As we saw this season, you never know what's going to happen. And it's the same thing now. We'll see what the future holds."
However, the 1-0 defeat to Tottenham in the Europa League final this week has cast major doubt over United's pursuit of Gyokeres.
Portuguese newspaper O Jogo has boldly reported that Gyokeres is poised to sign for Arsenal, even leading with a headline that translates as: "Swede on his way to Arsenal."
The article claims that a deal worth £58.9 million has been agreed upon by the clubs, leaving only the personal terms to be sorted out.
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