Cristiano Ronaldo has given his honest opinion about Viktor Gyokeres, Arsenal’s new star striker who has just arrived from Sporting CP.
Gyokeres scored more than 50 goals for the Portuguese giants last season, making him one of Europe’s most feared forwards. His performances caught the attention of several top clubs, including Manchester United, but he chose Arsenal instead.
The Swedish forward has now officially followed in Ronaldo’s footsteps by leaving Sporting for the Premier League. But instead of joining United like many expected, he will face them in his very first league game for Arsenal this weekend.
Ronaldo, a Sporting CP legend himself, was asked about Gyokeres after scoring a hat-trick in Al-Nassr’s 4-0 pre-season win over Rio Ave. The Portuguese superstar made it clear that he rates the 26-year-old very highly.
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“Gyokeres was a special player,” Ronaldo told Goal. “Sporting will miss him. But they will adapt.”
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner added that he still believes Sporting can compete for the title, even without their top scorer.
“I always hope Sporting can be champions again. Suarez, who arrived from Almeria, is an excellent forward. Harder is also young and talented. The team played well against Benfica in the Super Cup, but they couldn’t win, that’s football.”
Gyokeres’ time at Arsenal has already begun with mixed results. He failed to score in his first two pre-season games, a 1-0 loss to Tottenham and a 3-2 defeat to Villarreal.
But over the weekend, he opened his account in style, finding the net in Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Athletic Club. The victory has boosted the Gunners’ confidence ahead of their season opener against Manchester United.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was full of praise for his new signing after the match.
“That’s his nature,” Arteta said. “His movement, the way he predicts where the ball will land, that’s instinct. It’s why he has scored so many goals in the last few seasons.”
The Spanish coach also believes Gyokeres will cause chaos for defenders.
“He pins both centre-backs and when he’s one-on-one with space, he can destroy you. He will create a lot of space for his teammates too. He’s always looking for the next goal.”
Gyokeres will need to deliver quickly, with Arsenal hoping to challenge for the Premier League title this season. His partnership with the likes of Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, and Gabriel Jesus could be key to their success.
Ronaldo’s words will only raise expectations further. The Portuguese icon rarely gives such glowing praise, and when he does, it usually means the player in question is something special.
The stage is now set: Arsenal vs Manchester United, Gyokeres’ league debut, and the chance to show he’s worth all the hype.
If he can score in that match, Arsenal fans will believe they have found their new hero. And if Ronaldo is right, Gyokeres could be one of the Premier League’s biggest stars this season.
One thing is certain, everyone will be watching him closely.
