Viktor Gyokeres' comments when Ruben Amorim left Sporting CP to join Manchester United last season were very telling of the striker's own future plans, having since joined Arsenal
Ruben Amorim with Viktor Gyokeres at Sporting
Viktor Gyokeres and Ruben Amorim have gone from working together to against one another
(Image: Joao Rico/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
Viktor Gyokeres' insistence that there were "no hard feelings" when Ruben Amorim left Sporting CP midway through last season was an indication that he was already planning his move.
Amorim made the switch from the Jose Alvalade Stadium to Old Trafford in November last year while Sporting remained at the top of the Portuguese Primeira Liga. Gyokeres was left to spearhead the team without the manager who had brought him to the club and, despite a rocky period initially, helped the side retain their domestic crown and lift the Taca de Portugal.
Last month, Gyokeres followed his former manager to the Premier League, but chose to sign for rivals Arsenal rather than Amorim's Manchester United. The Swedish forward's £64million transfer fee means he arrives with enormous expectations to deliver under Mikel Arteta as the Gunners look to improve on their second-placed finishes across the last three campaigns.
As if Gyokeres' debut arriving on Sunday against United at Old Trafford wasn't enough pressure, all attention will be on his display against the club and manager he essentially snubbed. Amorim will be aware of the danger the 27-year-old presents, as Gyokeres netted his first goal in an Arsenal shirt during the pre-season victory over Athletic Club last weekend.
And to make the two English powerhouses' 2025/26 Premier League opener even more intriguing, United have since brought in former Arsenal target Benjamin Sesko. There is likely to be a warm embrace between Amorim and Gyokeres despite some Sporting players being upset by the manner of his departure last autumn.
After United forked out £11m to release him from his contract, the 40-year-old tactician did not officially start at Old Trafford until 11 days later, remaining with the Portuguese side to oversee clashes against Estrela, Manchester City in the Champions League, and Braga.
Following a 4-2 comeback victory in his final match against Braga, wing-back Geny Catamo revealed to Bar Da Liga how devastated the squad felt watching their boss leave after such a triumphant result, explaining: "We were all celebrating in the locker room when he came in and announced he was indeed going to Manchester United. We were sad and cried. Most players cried. I believe I was one of those who cried the most that day."
Ruben Amorim
Amorim's sudden departure left his Sporting players in tears
Gyokeres, whilst acknowledging his sadness at the announcement, emphasised that he held no grudges against the young manager’s decision during an interview with SIC earlier this year.
The forward explained: "Of course, it was something that we, as a group of players, didn't want. Obviously, like you said, we were flying and winning every game in the league and doing well in the Champions League, too.
"It was a sad moment, but we totally understood his decision and there were no hard feelings. We spoke to him. Everything was very clear and there were no hard feelings.
"It was a difficult moment, but I think we all played a lot of games over a long period and then that kind of thing can happen. We've also changed coaches twice, we've had three different coaches.
Viktor Gyokeres performs his celebration after scoring for Arsenal
Gyokeres is hoping to make his mark against United on Sunday
"Then you can change the way you train or the amount of training and of course that can affect the body. Yes, we tried to take the best out of the situation, it was a hard period, but we got through it and still finished top of the league."
Gyokeres’ comments came despite his agent, Hasan Cetinkaya, previously stating Amorim was the main reason his client joined Sporting two summers ago.
Cetinkaya had also revealed that several Premier League clubs were keen on signing the Swedish international last summer following his impressive breakthrough season, but Gyokeres chose to stay due to Amorim remaining at the helm.
His soft stance on Amorim's exit may have also subtly hinted that he was already set on his own move, while his more distraught team-mates knew they'd be staying put. That, coupled with his agent's comments, means it's not surprising that he too decided to leave this summer.
Sunday's fixture provides the perfect opportunity for both Amorim and Gyokeres to prove a point to each other.