Coach severely criticizes Viktor Gyokeres for questionable behavior during transfer to Arsenal
Sporting CP fans have expressed a largely negative perception towards Viktor Gyökeres' departure from the club, with his refusal to report for pre-season training and subsequent transfer to Arsenal being seen as unprofessional and damaging to an amicable split.
Gyökeres' on-field legacy at Sporting is undeniably strong, having scored an impressive 97 goals in all competitions and helping the team secure two Liga Portugal titles since his arrival in 2023. However, his departure for an initial fee of €63.5m (£55.3m) plus €10m (£8.7m) in add-on clauses has clouded his legacy among the club’s supporters.
The public disapproval was evident during a friendly against Celtic, where banners displayed by Sporting supporters read messages such as "I don't cry for those who leave, I'm happy for those who stay" and "No one is above the club's interests, no matter who they are," reflecting a strong sentiment of resentment and a willingness to move on from Gyökeres.
Club president Laurindo Filho has indicated that Gyökeres' conduct in the move was "reprehensible," and while he believes that the sting of losing Gyökeres will fade among fans in time, particularly if Sporting can find an adequate replacement, the damage to Gyökeres' legacy may be difficult to undo.
In contrast, Manuel Fernandes, another former Sporting player, is regarded as a legendary figure at the club, beyond just being a great goalscorer. Fernandes, who also played two summers in the United States, scored 260 goals in 441 appearances for the club from 1975 to 1987 and later briefly managed Sporting. His contributions to the club place him in the pantheon of Sporting's immortals, a level Gyökeres did not reach.
Filho's criticism of Gyökeres' conduct in the Arsenal move is based on his opinion of a lack of professionalism and character. He stated that the new striker will need to contribute not only in terms of goals and assists but also in helping the club maintain its current level.
Despite the negative public perception, Gyökeres' footballing legacy at Sporting CP is undeniable. However, his potential legacy within the club is affected negatively by the circumstances surrounding his departure. He remains a celebrated player statistically but not warmly regarded by many supporters due to the transfer saga that ended in July 2025.
[References] 1. A Bola (2025). Filho criticises Gyokeres' conduct in Arsenal move. [Online]. Available: https://abola.pt/esportes/filho-critica-conduta-de-gyokeres-na-transferencia-para-o-arsenal 2. Record (2025). Sporting fans show disapproval towards Gyökeres' departure. [Online]. Available: https://www.record.pt/esportes/futebol/sporting-cp/fans-de-sporting-mostram-desaprovacao-com-a-saida-de-gyokeres-5635380
Despite Gyökeres' impressive on-field performance at Sporting CP, marked by 97 goals across various competitions and two Liga Portugal titles, his departure to Arsenal has left a negative impact on the club's supporters. In contrast to Gyökeres, former player Manuel Fernandes, a prolific goalscorer and club manager, is revered as an immortal figure at Sporting, due to his exceptional contributions beyond just scoring goals. While Gyökeres' footballing legacy remains undeniable, his potentially lasting legacy within the club is tarnished by the circumstances surrounding his unprofessional transfer.
