New Arsenal signing Viktor Gyokeres speaks about taking the iconic number 14 shirt once worn by Thierry Henry, emphasizing his desire to establish his own legacy at the club.
Viktor Gyokeres has officially joined Arsenal in a deal worth up to £64 million, ending the club’s long search for a striker capable of helping them win silverware again. The 27-year-old Swedish forward took the number 14 shirt, famously worn by Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, but insists he is focused on forging his own identity rather than being compared to the club’s all-time leading goalscorer.
“It was an easy choice,” Gyokeres said ahead of what could be his debut for Arsenal in their pre-season match against Tottenham in Hong Kong. “Of course I know about the history, but there weren’t many numbers available. The 14 was free, so I took it. I don’t want to be compared to Henry. I just want to do my own thing and show my qualities.”
A new chapter wearing a legendary number
Gyokeres acknowledged the enormous legacy attached to the number 14 shirt, worn by Henry during a career that included two Premier League titles and three FA Cups. Yet the Swedish striker is determined to make his own mark at the Emirates.
Manager Mikel Arteta praised Gyokeres’s conviction and connection to the club’s history, saying, “He felt it straight away. When you feel that about a club and a number, you go for it.” The shirt’s popularity was immediately evident as Gyokeres’s replica sales broke club records, a sign of excitement among fans for the new signing.
The player said the response gave him extra motivation but added, “I have enough expectations on myself. I’ll just try to perform anyway.”
Overcoming transfer hurdles and settling in
The transfer saga was a lengthy one, with negotiations between Arsenal and Sporting Lisbon delayed by discussions over add-ons to the fee. Sporting’s president also revealed disciplinary issues during the process when Gyokeres missed training.
“It was a new experience for me,” Gyokeres admitted. “I wasn’t used to that kind of waiting, but I wanted to come here badly. I trained by myself during those weeks and kept up my routine. It was worth it.”
Since joining, Gyokeres says he has felt welcomed by his new manager and teammates. “Arteta and the players made it clear they wanted me here, which made the decision easy. It’s a big club with a lot of history, and I want to be part of it.”
Adapting to the Premier League challenge
Gyokeres arrives at Arsenal after a prolific spell at Sporting, where he scored 97 goals in 102 appearances and contributed 26 assists. While confident in his abilities, he is realistic about the adjustment needed for the Premier League.
“I know I’ll have to adapt. Many players from Portugal have done well in England, but it depends on the team and league. It’s hard to compare players across leagues because many factors come into play,” he said.
He has only completed a few training sessions so far but is already aware of Arteta’s expectations. “He wants me to use my qualities as much as possible. I’m still getting used to things, but it’s been great so far, and I’m looking forward to doing more.”
