Cristiano Ronaldo
Image credit: Getty Images
Cristiano Ronaldo has heaped praise on Arsenal’s marquee summer signing, Viktor Gyokeres, calling the Swedish striker a “special player” following his high-profile move from Sporting CP.
Gyokeres, 27, joined the Gunners in late July in a deal worth a reported €63 million (£53m) plus up to €10 million in add-ons, potentially rising to €73.5 million. The prolific forward, who netted 43 goals in 50 appearances for Sporting last season, arrives as a key piece in Mikel Arteta’s push to strengthen Arsenal’s attack after coming close to the Premier League title in recent campaigns.
Speaking during a recent interview, Ronaldo who began his own glittering career at Sporting before moving to Manchester United in 2003 reflected on Gyokeres’ departure.
“I hope it’s a competitive league. I always hope for the best and that Sporting can be champions again,” the 40-year-old said. “Gyokeres? We only miss those who are there, that’s what they say. He was a special player, but the team will have to adapt.
Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres (Image credit: Getty Images)
“I believe Suarez, who arrived from Almería, is an excellent forward. Harder is also a good player, young, and needs time. I saw the Super Cup; Sporting performed well against Benfica, but they didn’t win because they couldn’t, that’s football.”
Ronaldo’s remarks highlight the high esteem in which Gyokeres is held in Portuguese football, where he became a fan favourite after arriving from Coventry City in 2023. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who maintains close ties to his boyhood club, has often spoken about the importance of nurturing talent from the Portuguese league.
At Arsenal, Gyokeres has already impressed in pre-season, with Arteta expressing confidence in his ability to adapt quickly to English football.
With the Premier League season set to begin next week, the Swedish striker is expected to play a pivotal role in the Gunners’ title ambitions, bringing a blend of work rate, physicality, and lethal finishing to the Emirates attack.