Arsenal’s new £64 million striker Viktor Gyokeres has made it clear he has no desire to draw parallels with Thierry Henry, despite inheriting the legendary forward’s number 14 jersey.
The Swedish international, who could feature against Tottenham in Hong Kong on Thursday, acknowledged the shirt’s storied past but emphasised his intention to forge his own path at the Emirates.
“I don’t know. It’s not really my intention to be compared with what he’s achieved in his career,” Gyokeres stated.
“Especially here. I just want to do my own thing and show my qualities. Of course he was an amazing player, but different from me.”
Reuters
|
Viktor Gyokeres has told Arsenal fans not to compare him to Thierry Henry
The 27-year-old revealed the decision to select the famous number was straightforward, given the limited options available.
“Of course I know about the history,” he explained. “To be honest there weren’t so many numbers available. There weren’t too many to pick from. But of course, that one was available. So when I knew that it was an easy choice to take it.”
The transfer, valued at £55 million plus £8.5 million in potential add-ons, marks the end of Arsenal’s search for a striker to bolster their trophy ambitions.
Manager Mikel Arteta expressed confidence in Gyokeres’ ability to handle the shirt’s legacy, citing the player’s determination and immediate connection to the club during their first conversation.
“Someone very determined, someone that was already really attached to the club the way he was talking about the club, the history and in this case Thierry and what the shirt represented. He straight away felt it, and when you feel it – go for it,” Arteta said.
The striker’s move to north London involved a protracted negotiation process, with discussions between the clubs extending into the final week as they haggled over additional payments.
“It’s been a new experience. I haven’t really been in that situation before,” Gyokeres reflected.
“It’s been a lot of waiting from my side. I wanted to come here, but it wasn’t that easy. But I’m finally here and it feels great.”
READ MORE: Martin Brundle explains ‘game over’ moment for Christian Horner after brutal Red Bull sacking
Reuters
|
Viktor Gyokeres has joined from Sporting this summer to bolster Arsenal’s attack
During the uncertainty, he maintained his fitness through solitary training sessions, following a repetitive daily routine.
Despite interest from other clubs, the Swedish forward insisted his decision to join Arsenal was straightforward, feeling the club genuinely wanted him and appreciating their rich heritage.
The forward, who netted 97 times in 102 matches for Sporting, remains confident about his Premier League prospects whilst acknowledging an adjustment period lies ahead.
“I think I’ll have to adapt. But I think there are a lot of players from Portugal who have done even better in England. It depends on who you pick,” he observed.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Reuters
|
Viktor Gyokeres netted 97 times in 102 matches for Sporting
Gyokeres noted that comparing performances across different leagues involves numerous variables, including team quality and playing style.
Despite limited training time with his new colleagues, the striker has already received clear instructions from Arteta about maximising his strengths.
Record-breaking shirt sales following his arrival have provided additional motivation, though Gyokeres maintains he already places sufficient expectations upon himself.