Cristiano Ronaldo calls Viktor Gyokeres 'special player' following his move to Arsenal in Premier League

Rajarshi has been part of Khel Now since 2022, and he covers world football.

Published at :August 8, 2025 at 4:49 PM

Modified at :August 8, 2025 at 4:49 PM

Arsenal new signing Viktor Gyokeres breaks shirt sales record

The Portuguese star also talked about Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira final.

Cristiano Ronaldo praised the attacker as a “special player,” after Viktor Gyokeres, a former star of Sporting CP, joined Arsenal this summer.

Arsenal paid an incredible £64 million (€74 million/$86 million) to sign the centre-forward. It also includes bonuses for appearances, goals, and assists. After scoring 54 goals in a great season (2024-25) at Sporting, the striker was in high demand on the transfer market.

Since the beginning of the summer transfer window, Arsenal were linked to Gyokeres. After a protracted and intensive discussion with Sporting, they were eventually able to clinch the deal to bring home the Swedish goal machine.

Although Manchester United were apparently interested in signing him as well, Viktor Gyokeres was only inclined to make a move to the North London club.

After Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick in Al-Nassr’s 4-0 victory over Rio Ave in a preseason friendly, the Portugal legend showered the Gunners’ newest addition with accolades, calling the 27-year-old a unique player and also backing Sporting CP to adapt after his exit.

Cristiano Ronaldo lauds Gyokeres & tells Sporting to adapt following his exit

Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr — Cristiano Ronaldo’s career also skyrocketed when he was with Sporting CP (Photo via Getty Images)

Speaking to reporters, the 40-year-old said:

“Gyokeres was a special player, but the team will have to adapt. I believe Suárez, who arrived from Almeria, is an excellent forward. Harder is also a good player, young, and needs time. I saw the Super Cup; Sporting performed well against Benfica, but they didn’t win because they couldn’t—that’s football.”

Arsenal have spent a big sum to sign the Sweden international and will be hoping that he lives up to that price tag. Gyokeres has now appeared in two pre-season matches for the Gunners and is yet to open his account for the club.

When Arsenal play Manchester United in their Premier League opener on August 17, Gyokeres is set to make his official debut.

What did Ronaldo say about Gyokeres?

He praised the striker and called him a ‘special player’.

When did Ronaldo make positive remarks about Gyokeres?

He made those remarks to reporters after playing in the 4-0 win over the Portuguese team, Rio Ave.

When will Gyokeres make his official debut for Arsenal?

He could make his official debut for the club on August 17 against Manchester United in their Premier League opener.

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Rajarshi Shukla

After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.