Viktor Gyokeres: New Arsenal striker reveals why he chose Gunners after completing £63.5m move | OneFootball

A heavy loss to Mikel Arteta’s men stuck in the Swede’s memory

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Gyokeres hit 97 goals in 102 appearances for Sporting, but he failed to score as he lined up opposite his future Arsenal teammates in the Champions League in November.

Arsenal ran out 5-1 victors that night, and the match made Gyokeres realise the North London outfit’s quality.

“I just felt that it was the right club for me,” he said after signing. “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.”

The Arsenal faithful have been clamouring for Gyokeres to sign for some time, and the Swede is looking forward to repaying their patience.

“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.

“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.”

Gyokeres’ professional football career got off the ground in England. He represented Coventry and Swansea before moving to Portugal in 2023, and is looking forward to a new test on his return to the United Kingdom.

He continued: “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.”

He will look to perform on the continent, too, setting his sights on helping the Gunners to Champions League glory.

“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. I always want to score.”