Cristiano Ronaldo has praised Viktor Gyokeres as a 'special' player following the Swedish striker's move to Arsenal. Gyokeres, who scored more than 50 goals for Sporting CP last season, joined the Gunners instead of Manchester United, where he played under new head coach Ruben Amorim.
'Gyokeres was a special player, but the team will have to adapt,' Ronaldo said after Al-Nassr's pre-season win over Rio Ave. 'I hope Sporting can be champions again, but we only miss those who are there.' Ronaldo also backed Sporting's new forwards Luis Suarez and Conrad Harder to step up.
Gyokeres opened his Arsenal account in a 3-0 pre-season victory over Athletic Club. He had previously made his debut in a 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur and drew a blank against Villarreal. The win ensured Arsenal head into their Premier League opener against Manchester United on a high.
Manager Mikel Arteta praised Gyokeres' instincts and movement. 'That's his nature,' Arteta said. 'He times his runs, predicts space and where the ball will land. He pins centre-backs and destroys opponents one-on-one, creating space for the team.'
Arsenal face Manchester United in their first league match of the 2025-26 season, with Gyokeres expected to lead the line. The Swedish international has quickly adapted to Arteta's system, adding a new dimension to the Gunners' attack.
