Arsenal’s new signing Viktor Gyökeres says he’s focused on creating his own legacy after taking the iconic number 14 shirt once worn by club legend Thierry Henry.
The 27-year-old Swedish striker officially joined the Gunners in a deal worth up to £64 million, ending the club’s long pursuit of a centre forward to boost their title ambitions. The signing also marks a significant investment as Arsenal look to secure their first major trophy since the FA Cup triumph in 2020 under Mikel Arteta.
Henry, who scored 228 goals in 377 appearances, made the number 14 shirt legendary. But Gyökeres isn’t daunted by the history behind it.
“I’m aware of the history, of course. But there weren’t many numbers left, and once I saw 14 was available, it was an easy choice,” he said.
“I’m not here to be compared to Thierry Henry. He was a fantastic player, but I’m different. I want to play my own game and show what I bring.”
Arteta’s Backing
Arteta expressed confidence in Gyökeres’ decision to wear the number 14, noting that the striker immediately connected with the club’s identity.
“He showed conviction right from the start,” Arteta said. “He felt the meaning behind the shirt and the history—so I told him, go for it.”
The striker’s arrival has sparked a surge in replica shirt sales, breaking club records.
“It’s a great feeling to see that kind of support. It motivates me, though I already set high expectations for myself,” Gyökeres added.
Long-Awaited Transfer
Gyökeres’ move from Sporting CP was one of the summer’s longest-running sagas. The final stages were delayed over add-ons to the transfer fee, and Sporting president Frederico Varandas noted disciplinary concerns after the striker skipped training sessions.
“It wasn’t easy. I wanted to come, but I had to wait a lot. I just trained on my own every day. Same routine, over and over—but it was worth it.”
He confirmed Arsenal’s interest was always genuine.
“I felt that they really wanted me here. There were other clubs interested, but for me, this wasn’t a difficult decision. Arsenal is a huge club with a lot of history.”
Looking Ahead
At Sporting, Gyökeres scored 97 goals and provided 26 assists in 102 matches, and while he’s confident in his ability, he acknowledges the Premier League demands adaptation.
“It’s a different league. You can’t really compare players or performances directly. But I believe I’ll adjust, especially playing in a strong team like Arsenal.”
He’s only had one training session so far, but Arteta has already shared his expectations.
“He wants me to use my strengths. I still need to integrate more with the team, but so far everything’s been great. I’m excited for what’s ahead.”
