Such was Gyokeres’ affect within the inexperienced half of Lisbon after becoming a member of from Coventry Metropolis 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 among the best, if not one of the best, offers of their historical past,” Sporting legend and former Portugal worldwide Ricardo Sa Pinto advised BBC Sport.
“First, in footballing phrases, for sure a prime signing – one of the spectacular gamers Sporting have ever had. Then financially as effectively.
“On the time, folks have been a bit apprehensive – paying round 20m euros for a Coventry participant, with no actual observe file or CV. He had expertise, everybody might see that, however nonetheless.
“So full credit score should go to the recruitment division, as a result of they recognized an enormous alternative. After all, we’d all have appreciated him to remain, however at 26 or 27, after two nice seasons, it is pure for a participant to wish to transfer to a different league, a distinct degree, with completely different targets.”
Regardless of 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 unhappy. However there was nothing I might have carried out otherwise. It wasn’t one thing I might management,” the ahead has mentioned.
Till 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 ought to nonetheless be welcomed with an enormous ovation and actual gratitude from all of us. After all, departures are at all times sophisticated,” Sa Pinto mentioned.
“There was a little bit of a stand-off on the time, with the membership defending its pursuits – that does not imply, although, that they did not like him, and the followers clearly do like him and perceive the state of affairs.”
A current ballot by CNN Portugal/Mais Futebol discovered 50% of Sporting’s supporters consider Gyokeres must be applauded on his return. The reply will come on Tuesday evening.
Sporting boss Rui Borges mentioned he was “certain” Gyokeres might be welcomed by followers as a result of he “marked the historical past of Sporting, and he deserves this acknowledgement”.
“He had the ambition, and after speaking to the administration, they got here to an understanding so in the end all the pieces that occurred was right for each side,” added Borges.
“He wished to take that step in his profession and we respect that.”
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