Such was Gyokeres’ affect within the inexperienced half of Lisbon after becoming a member of from Coventry City in 2023 (97 targets in 102 matches) that solely three footballers in Portuguese historical past have a greater goals-per-game ratio than him: Fernando Peyroteo (526 targets in 325 matches), Eusebio (475 targets in 452 matches) and Mario Jardel (239 targets in 250 matches).
“He was one of the best, if not the best, deals in their history,” Sporting legend and former Portugal worldwide Ricardo Sa Pinto instructed BBC Sport.
“First, in footballing terms, without a doubt a top signing – one of the most impressive players Sporting have ever had. Then financially as well.
“At the time, individuals had been a bit apprehensive – paying round 20m euros for a Coventry participant, with no actual monitor file or CV. He had expertise, everybody could see that, however nonetheless.
“So full credit must go to the recruitment department, because they identified a huge opportunity. Of course, we would all have liked him to stay, but at 26 or 27, after two great seasons, it’s natural for a player to want to move to another league, a different level, with different objectives.”
Despite all that, it stays to be seen how Sporting followers will welcome Gyokeres, 27, again following a tumultuous summer time involving his Arsenal transfer.
“It was sad. But there was nothing I could have done differently. It wasn’t something I could control,” the ahead has mentioned.
Until the deal was finalised, the Swede didn’t report for pre-season, missed a number of coaching periods and refused to return to Lisbon.
“He should still be welcomed with a huge ovation and real gratitude from all of us. Of course, departures are always complicated,” Sa Pinto mentioned.
“There was a bit of a stand-off at the time, with the club defending its interests – that doesn’t mean, though, that they didn’t like him, and the fans obviously do like him and understand the situation.”
A current ballot by CNN Portugal/Mais Futebol discovered 50% of Sporting’s supporters imagine Gyokeres must be applauded on his return. The reply will come on Tuesday evening.
Sporting boss Rui Borges mentioned he was “sure” Gyokeres might be welcomed by followers as a result of he “marked the history of Sporting, and he deserves this acknowledgement”.
“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,” added Borges.
“He wanted to take that step in his career and we respect that.”
