Viktor Gyokeres Breaks Silence on Controversial Move to Push Through Arsenal Deal

Arsenal forward Viktor Gyökeres has stated there is nothing he needs to "demonstrate" to critics who questioned his actions before completing a major summer move to the Emirates Stadium.

Following 97 strikes across two campaigns at Sporting CP, Gyökeres was eager to challenge himself at a larger institution and ultimately declined to attend pre-season training in Lisbon to push through a transfer.

Sporting penalized Gyökeres for his actions. The forward's representative was labeled by the Portuguese club's chairman as attempting to "coerce" Sporting into accepting a transfer at a lower price following an alleged verbal understanding.

"Many individuals hold firm views about situations they don't fully understand. Everyone has the right to their perspective, but satisfying everyone is impossible. I don't believe I must demonstrate anything to those lacking knowledge of what truly occurred," Gyökeres shared with the media.

"The situation was challenging. We experienced lengthy delays at certain points, but I'm pleased everything concluded on schedule and I could participate in Arsenal's pre-season preparations. Naturally, the conclusion was disappointing, but that's how things unfolded. Life presents such circumstances sometimes. I was engaged in discussions and my break was prolonged due to those talks. I prefer not to elaborate on my reasons for not returning."

Gyökeres had no experience in Europe's premier five divisions before his Arsenal arrival, having never competed at the highest domestic level until joining Sporting in 2023. Questions existed regarding his potential performance, and though he has netted twice in the Premier League thus far, both strikes came against promoted side Leeds United. He failed to score versus Manchester United and Liverpool.