Viktor Gyokeres determined to show qualities with Arsenal No.14 shirt | OneFootball

Viktor Gyokeres says he is looking to write his own Arsenal history after choosing the legendary No.14 shirt.

After joining the Gunners from Portuguese side Sporting CP last week, the Sweden striker has chosen the number 14 shirt made famous by club record scorer Thierry Henry. The 27-year-old said the decision to choose that number was not a difficult decision to make.

“Of course I know about the history. But 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 forward showed no sign of being phased by the added pressure that comes with the number, acknowledging that it is his job to show what he is really capable of in Mikel Arteta’s side.

“It’s not really my intention to be compared with what he’s achieved in his career. 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. I just want to try to do my own thing.”

Gyokeres described how after a strange last couple of weeks, he is excited by the challenge ahead, at a club he felt wanted him.

“It’s been a new experience. I haven’t really been in that situation before. 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.

“I tried to train as much as possible by myself and keep the day going. A lot of days were the same kind of routine. I woke up, trained, had dinner and then went to bed again. It was like that for a few weeks, but it was worth it for sure.

“Of course I felt that they [Arsenal] wanted me here. But also because it’s a very big club with a lot of history. I just felt that I really wanted to come here and be a part of this club.

“I think you can always have a decision of your future. Of course there were other clubs as well, but I didn’t feel it was a difficult choice for me this time.”

The Swede says his return to English football has been made easier after believes previous spells with Brighton and Coventry.

“I think it makes it easier. I’m used to the weather and everything around. I’ve been in England before for a few years. So some aspects I think it helps. But of course there are a lot of new things as well. A new group, a new idea of playing. I think I need to adapt to that as well.”

Gyokeres will be hoping to make his debut for the Gunners tomorrow against their north London rivals Tottenham.