Cristiano Ronaldo hailed former Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres as a ‘special player’ following the striker’s move to Arsenal this summer. Gyokeres signed for the Gunners for a whopping £64 million (€74m/$86m) transfer fee, including bonuses related to appearances, goals and assists. The striker was in demand in the transfer market after a successful season at Sporting, where he scored 54 goals.
Arsenal were linked with a move for Gyokeres since the start of the summer transfer window and after an intense and long negotiation with Sporting, they finally managed to secure the transfer for the Swedish goal machine. Manchester United were also reportedly in contention to sign Gyokeres, but the forward only wanted a move to North London.
Following Al-Nassr’s pre-season friendly against Rio Ave, where Ronaldo starred with a hat-trick in the club’s 4-0 win, the Portugal icon heaped praise on the Gunners’ newest recruit as he labelled the 27-year-old as a special player.
Speaking to reporters, the 40-year-old said: “I hope it’s a competitive league. I always hope for the best and that Sporting can be champions again. Gyokeres? We only miss those who are there, that’s what they say. I believe Sporting will be competitive.
“Gyokeres was a special player, but the team will have to adapt. I believe Suárez, who arrived from Almeria, 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.”
Gyokeres will make his competitive debut for Arsenal on August 17 as the Gunners face Manchester United in their Premier League opener.
