Cristiano Ronaldo sends message to Arsenal over £64m Viktor Gyokeres transfer | Football

Cristiano Ronaldo believes Arsenal have signed a ‘special player’ in Viktor Gyokeres.

Arsenal completed a £64 million deal with Sporting last month after fending off interest from Manchester United and Juventus.

Gyokeres, who went on strike at Sporting in order to force through his move this summer, arrives at Arsenal with huge expectation having scored 97 goals in 102 appearances.

The Sweden international also left Sporting after helping the club win the Portuguese league and cup double last season.

Ronaldo, who began his professional career at Sporting before joining Manchester United in 2003, insists his former club will remain ‘competitive’ despite Gyokeres’ departure.

‘I hope it’s a competitive league. I always hope for the best and that Sporting can be champions again,’ Ronaldo said.

‘We only miss those who are there, that’s what they say. I believe Sporting will be competitive.

‘Gyokeres was a special player, but the team will have to adapt.

‘I believe [Luis] Suarez, who arrived from Almeria, is an excellent forward. [Conrad] Harder is also a good player, young, and needs time.

‘I watched the Super Cup, Sporting performed well against Benfica but they didn’t win because they couldn’t, that’s football.’

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