Cristiano Ronaldo had his say about the late transfer of Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP to Arsenal. He showed us how he genuinely feels about the player’s exit.
Gunners land their man in Gyokeres
Arsenal’s long search for a top-tier striker came to an end in late July. Viktor Gyokeres has completed a big-money move from Sporting CP. The Swede sealed a deal reportedly worth £63.5m including add-ons.
However, his exit was far from smooth. The forward stayed in Sweden instead of joining Sporting’s pre-season camp. He pushed for the transfer while tensions brewed behind the scenes.
Reports from Portugal suggested he felt Sporting’s president had broken a verbal agreement to let him go for €60m plus €10m in add-ons. That was a sum the Gunners had already matched. The player admitted his last month in Lisbon was tough and full of mixed emotions.
Ronaldo shares his thoughts on the Arsenal move
🚨Gyokeres to Arsenal?
🗣️ Cristiano Ronaldo:
“Only those who are here are missed, that's what they say.
Gyokeres was a special player, but the team needs to adapt". pic.twitter.com/4w3KRazpZH
— TVG (@Teamgyokeres) August 8, 2025
Cristiano Ronaldo, who knows all about big moves and heated exits, was asked about Gyokeres during his time in Portugal last week. Fresh off scoring a hat-trick for Al Nassr in a friendly against Rio Ave, Ronaldo didn’t hold back. “Gyokeres? We only miss those who are there, that’s what they say,” he told reporters.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner recognized the quality of the Swede. He even labelled him as a “special player.” But, he firmly stated that Sporting would now need to adapt and move on. It was a typically Ronaldo response, admiring the talent but focused on the bigger picture.
For Sporting fans, it does sting a little to hear him say that. But, it also clears the club’s fight is still intact. For Arsenal, they have finally signed a striker with plenty of goals in him ahead of the new season. Now. it’s up to the player to show his talent at the Emirates.
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