After scoring 97 goals in two seasons with Sporting Lisbon, Viktor Gyokeres says he’s eager to find the net for Arsenal and prove himself in the Premier League.
Softfootball earlier reported that the Swedish forward joined after guiding Sporting to two league titles and a domestic cup. He also impressed in Europe, netting six goals in the Champions League last season.
Despite spells at Brighton, Swansea, and Coventry, this will be his first taste of Premier League action.
Speaking to Arsenal’s official website, Gyokeres said:
“I always want to score, To be a part of this club and to score in this kit and with this badge in front of all the supporters, I can’t wait. It will be an amazing feeling.
“I started here [in England], it feels like a long time ago. I think I’ve improved a lot since then. Now I want to prove myself for real and perform together with the team.
“It’s a big honour to play for your country, and then to score goals for them is amazing. When I played at Sporting, I scored a few goals in the Champions League so I feel that I can be on that level as well.
“Now to come here to a club on Arsenal’s level, I think it’s going to help me perform even better with all the amazing players in this team. I’m really excited to get going.”
The 27-year-old was handed the iconic No. 14 shirt once worn by Thierry Henry adding to the anticipation surrounding his arrival.
His decision to join Arsenal was influenced by conversations with manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta, as well as the passionate support he received from fans online.
He said:
“I just felt that it was the right club for me,
“What I heard from Mikel and Andrea when I was speaking with them and just what I’ve seen in the past years, how they’ve been playing football. When I was playing against Arsenal last season, I could really feel it was a very strong team and very difficult to play against.
“That made me choose Arsenal, and of course all the history the club has and the massive fanbase. It’s been amazing to see all the support that they have already given me before I even arrived. That’s what it’s all about. It’s going to be very nice to see them in the stadiums as well.”
Gyokeres also reflected on that 5-1 defeat in Lisbon, where he faced Arsenal defenders like Gabriel and Saliba. Now, he looks forward to training alongside them.
He revealed:
“They were very solid defensively. It was hard to create chances. Now I get to train with them, and I think it’s going to push me to improve even more.”
Arsenal fans will be excited about the club and how a striker like Viktor Gyokeres can move the club to the next level that has been expected of them.
