Sporting Lisbon's True Feelings on Viktor Gyokeres After Bitter Arsenal Transfer
Viktor Gyokeres left Sporting Lisbon under a cloud last summer, having gone AWOL to push through his move to Arsenal, but he could receive a surprisingly warm reception when he returns on Tuesday for a crucial Champions League clash. The Swedish striker's departure was marked by controversy, yet his former teammates and manager insist there is no lingering resentment.
A Contentious Exit and Its Aftermath
Gyokeres, 27, enjoyed a prolific two-year spell in Lisbon, scoring an astonishing 97 goals in 102 games, cementing his status as one of Europe's most coveted forwards. However, his exit turned acrimonious when he failed to report for pre-season training, going absent without leave to force through a £64 million transfer to Arsenal, which was finalised in late July 2025.
While Sporting's fans voiced criticism over his methods, the dressing room has taken a more forgiving stance. Maxi Araujo, the Uruguayan left-back and current Sporting star, emphasised that the group does not feel betrayed by Gyokeres. "The group and I were happy for him, he deserved it," Araujo stated. "He did something incredible for Sporting. Personally, and I think the whole group was happy for his departure. I wish him the best."
Managerial Perspective and Historical Context
Sporting manager Rui Borges, appointed six months prior to Gyokeres' exit, echoed Araujo's sentiments in a pre-match press conference. "He is a great player, and I am sure he will be welcomed by everyone because he marked the history of Sporting, and he deserves this acknowledgement," Borges remarked.
He added, "I always try to be balanced, and I try to understand everyone. He had the ambition, and after talking to the management, they came to an understanding so ultimately everything that happened was correct for both sides; both Sporting and the player got what they wanted. He wanted to take that step in his career and we respect that."
Borges concluded with a philosophical note: "Players will change, but the club stays the same, and Sporting will go on winning. I wish him all the best and I am sure he will be very welcome here because the admiration we have for him is great."
Gyokeres' Adaptation and Current Form
Despite his free-scoring record at Sporting, Gyokeres initially struggled to adapt to Arsenal's style of play following his high-profile move. However, he has recently found his rhythm, netting 10 goals in his last 15 appearances for both club and country, boosting his confidence ahead of the return to Lisbon.
Borges acknowledged this adjustment period: "I believe in the initial stage he had to adapt, given the style of play, and how Arsenal plays. But he is still a great forward and now he is back to what he does well which is scoring goals."
He also noted the initial scepticism from Arsenal fans: "During the first stage, the [Arsenal] fans were suspicious given what they paid for him, but little by little the truth came to the surface and he is a really great player and he will keep scoring goals."
As the Champions League encounter approaches, the focus shifts from past grievances to on-field performance, with Sporting's squad demonstrating a mature and respectful attitude towards their former teammate, setting the stage for a compelling footballing contest.
