Rumors suggest Viktor Gyokeres’ approaching shift to Arsenal might impact how he’s viewed, according to a commentator from Portugal.
Reports indicate that Gyokeres is expected to undergo medical evaluations in London later this week, with an initial transfer amount around €63.5m (£55.3m) plus €10m (£8.7m) in achievable incentives.
However, the footballer has faced some disapproval within Portugal, with claims suggesting he aggressively sought this transfer. Some Sporting supporters interpret this as disrespect toward the team.
Gyokeres’ conduct in Arsenal move was ‘reprehensible’, says Portuguese coach
Laurindo Filho, a coach and commentator, expressed that perspective, stating that Gyokeres has potentially tarnished what could have been a lasting legacy at Sporting because of the nature of his leaving.
Nevertheless, he also believes that the pain of losing Gyokeres might lessen among the fans eventually, especially if Sporting finds a suitable substitute.
Filho mentioned to A Bola: “In my opinion, this unprofessionalism, this absence of integrity, which is also evident in the Swede’s actions, will remain present until a new striker steps in who can make people forget.
“[That will happen] not just through goals and assists, but also through the support he gives the club, enabling them to maintain or return to their previous standards.
“Eventually, life will show its course, providing an opportunity to move on from less positive experiences. The situation was split, and as time goes on, what remains?
“If he had chosen to stay, he could have been remembered as a great figure at Sporting, but his legacy might be limited to being known as a proficient goalscorer, as it’s unlikely he would be elevated to the same legendary status as other Sporting icons.
“His behavior as a professional was regrettable.
“Sporting’s history includes icons like Manuel Fernandes, and Gyokeres can never reach the same level as Manuel Fernandes in Sporting’s legacy.
“He had the potential to do so if he had wanted to.”
Between 1975 and 1987, Fernandes made 441 appearances for Sporting and scored 260 goals, in addition to two summers spent playing in the United States; he also served as the club’s manager for a short time later in his career.
