Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo has acknowledged Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres as a fantastic talent in a press conference this week. This kind of high praise from the highest active goalscorer in the history will surely boost the confidence of Viktor Gyokeres. As a matter of fact, Gyokeres came under the spotlight last season for scoring 54 goals in 52 matches. Since the prime decade of Cristiano Ronaldo and Leonel Messi, Viktor Gyokeres became the new striker to reach 50+ goals in a calendar season. On the other hand, the 40-year-old ‘young’ Cristiano has already started scoring goals after goals for Al Nassr.
Viktor Gyokeres and Cristiano Ronaldo Have a Mutual Connection
Both Gyokeres and Ronaldo have a mutual connection in the football circuit. Gyokeres became one of the best strikers in recent years while representing the Portuguese Club, Sporting Lisbon. On the other hand, it all started at Sporting Lisbon for Ronaldo. Cristiano has already created his own history book. 27-year-old Gyokeres will hope to upgrade his game a notch higher at Arsenal this season. The Swedish has already made an impactful pre-season. After making his debut against Tottenham Hotspur in Hong Kong, Gyokeres played against Villarreal and Athletic Bilbao. Finally, he scored his first goal against Bilbao. It was an absolute poacher’s finish from the striker. The fans hope that it was the first of many for Gyokeres at the club. Having got the honour to wear the historic number 14, it is his utmost duty to help Arsenal define the season with his contribution. Whereas, Cristiano Ronaldo is busy enjoying the beautiful game as usual. The superstar has already scored a brace and a hattrick during the pre-season. Having registered 938 goals so far, Ronaldo will try to reach the 1000 official goals landmark as soon as possible. Gyokeres will start his spell as a Gunner against Cristiano’s old club, Manchester United.
🚨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 Was So Close to Join Arsenal
If Manchester United hadn’t played that friendly match against Sporting Lisbon in 2003, the story would’ve been different in Cristiano’s illustrious career. In an old interview, he admitted that he had almost said ‘yes’ to Arsenal in 2004. “It’s true. (I came) very close, one step away. Incredible. It didn’t happen, but I appreciate what they did for me, especially Arsene Wenger.” – said Cristiano Ronaldo. The history turned upside down when a certain Portuguese teenager single handedly destroyed a star-studded Manchester United. Sir Alex Ferguson didn’t even think twice. He straight approached the club officials and told them to sign that ‘wonderkid’ at once. The rest is history for both Ferguson’s Manchester United and that boy. Cristiano Ronaldo became a ‘Red Devil’ and won everything possible under Sir Ferguson. He is still the only midfielder in the English Premier League history to become the top scorer in the league and win the Ballon d’Or. When asked about this, Arsene Wenger still regrets not being able to sign Cristiano Ronaldo.
Arsenal and Manchester United Fans Can’t Wait for the Big Clash
The 2025-26 edition of the English Premier League is set to commence from 16th August onwards. After losing the FA Community Shield to Crystal Palace, last season’s EPL winners Liverpool will kick start the league against Bournemouth. Other than Liverpool and Arsenal, clubs like Chelsea, Manchester City, **Manchester United**and have reshaped their squads. While fans have the lowest expectations on the Red Devils, Manchester United have built a strong upfront. The club has defeated Newcastle United in the race and has brought in Benjamin Sesko in a dramatic way. While Manchester United’s primary target is to finish in a Champions League spot, Arsenal have to win a major trophy this year. It will all start when Ruben Amorim will face his former striker Viktor Gyokeres on 17th August.
Stay tuned for more football news.
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