Sporting v Arsenal: How Viktor Gyokeres could end old club’s Champions League run

Such was Gyokeres’ influence in the green half of Lisbon after joining from Coventry City in 2023 (97 goals in 102 matches) that only three footballers in Portuguese history have a better goals-per-game ratio than him: Fernando Peyroteo (526 goals in 325 matches), Eusebio (475 goals in 452 matches) and Mario Jardel (239 goals in 250 matches).

“He was one of the best, if not the best, deals in their history,” Sporting legend and former Portugal international Ricardo Sa Pinto told BBC Sport.

“First, in footballing terms, without a doubt a top signing – one of the most impressive players Sporting have ever had. Then financially as well.

“At the time, people were a bit apprehensive – paying around 20m euros for a Coventry player, with no real track record or CV. He had talent, everyone could see that, but still.

“So full credit must go to the recruitment department, because they identified a huge opportunity. Of course, we would all have liked him to stay, but at 26 or 27, after two great seasons, it’s natural for a player to want to move to another league, a different level, with different objectives.”

Despite all that, it remains to be seen how Sporting fans will welcome Gyokeres, 27, back following a tumultuous summer involving his Arsenal move.

“It was sad. But there was nothing I could have done differently. It wasn’t something I could control,” the forward has said.

Until the deal was finalised, the Swede failed to report for pre-season, missed several training sessions and refused to return to Lisbon.

“He should still be welcomed with a huge ovation and real gratitude from all of us. Of course, departures are always complicated,” Sa Pinto said.

“There was a bit of a stand-off at the time, with the club defending its interests – that doesn’t mean, though, that they didn’t like him, and the fans obviously do like him and understand the situation.”

A recent poll by CNN Portugal/Mais Futebol found 50% of Sporting’s supporters believe Gyokeres should be applauded on his return. The answer will come on Tuesday night.

Sporting boss Rui Borges said he was “sure” Gyokeres will be welcomed by fans because he “marked the history of Sporting, and he deserves this acknowledgement”.

“He had the ambition, and after talking to the management, they came to an understanding so ultimately everything that happened was correct for both sides,” added Borges.

“He wanted to take that step in his career and we respect that.”