Arsenal player Viktor Gyokeres seeks to establish his personal legacy with his assigned squad number
Viktor Gyökeres, the prolific striker from Sporting CP, has signed for Arsenal, donning the iconic number 14 shirt that was once worn by Thierry Henry, the club's record goal scorer. However, Gyökeres has rejected comparisons with the legendary Frenchman, emphasizing his desire to forge his own legacy rather than emulate Henry's historic achievements.
Gyökeres's transfer to Arsenal was not without controversy in its latter stages, but he has shown a clear determination to join the club. His decision to take the number 14 shirt has been seen as a sign of self-belief by Arsenal's manager, Mikel Arteta.
The No. 14 jersey at Arsenal symbolizes greatness—Thierry Henry scored 226 goals, becoming the club’s all-time top scorer and an emblem of their golden era. Since then, the number 14 has been worn by few, including Theo Walcott, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and Eddie Nketiah, none of whom restored Arsenal’s elite striker status or helped seize a Premier League title since Henry’s era.
Despite the weight of expectations linked to the number 14, Gyökeres remains unfazed. He aims to contribute his own style and strengths to the team rather than suffer under comparison. Gyökeres's selection of the number 14 was more practical than symbolic, as it was available when he joined Arsenal.
Gyökeres arrives at Arsenal following a prolific spell at Sporting CP, where he scored 97 goals in 104 appearances, underscoring his goal-scoring credentials and potential as the striker to elevate Arsenal from consistent runners-up to champions.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed confidence that Gyökeres' playing style—high-energy, pressing, clinical finishing—fits well with the team's tactical approach. Gyökeres’ prior experience in the Premier League with Brighton and Swansea also suggests an ability to adapt quickly to the physical demands and intensity of English football.
Martin Odegaard, the Arsenal captain, has played a part in helping Gyökeres settle in. Gyökeres made his first appearance for Arsenal on Thursday against Tottenham Hotspur.
In his first media appearance for Arsenal, Gyökeres gave the impression of a player laser-focused on his on-field performance. He has not set any specific goalscoring targets for the coming season, choosing instead to focus on team success and self-improvement.
Gyökeres left Brighton without playing a single minute of Premier League soccer in three years on their books. His transfer brings him back to the Premier League as a star, and he chose Arsenal over a late inquiry from Manchester United.
As Gyökeres embarks on this new chapter in his career, he is determined to make his mark at Arsenal and create a legacy of his own, rather than being overshadowed by Henry's legendary status. The expectations are high, but his approach is pragmatic and focused on team success rather than individual comparisons.
Gyökeres's selection of the number 14 shirt at Arsenal is a testament to his confidence and belief in his abilities, as the jersey remains synonymous with greatness in the club's history. Determined to forge his own legacy rather than emulate Thierry Henry's historic achievements, Gyökeres aims to contribute his unique style and strengths to the team.
