Arsenal’s latest signing, Viktor Gyokeres, has made it clear he is not stepping into Thierry Henry’s shadow despite taking on the iconic number 14 shirt.
Viktor Gyokeres, signed from Sporting CP in a deal that could rise to £64 million, was unveiled by the Gunners on Saturday. The 27-year-old is expected to lead the line in Mikel Arteta’s evolving side, as the club looks to end their five-year trophy drought.
The Frenchman is synonymous with the number 14 shirt. He scored 228 goals in 377 appearances for the Gunners, winning two Premier League titles and three FA Cups.
But for Gyokeres, the shirt number was more a matter of availability than legacy.
“Of course, I know about the history,” Gyokeres admitted. “To be honest there weren’t so many numbers available. There weren’t too many to pick from. But of course, that one was available. So when I knew that, it was an easy choice to take it.”
While the number evokes memories of Henry’s golden years, Gyokeres is quick to silence any talk of comparisons.
“I don’t know. It’s not really my intention to be compared with what he’s achieved in his career. Especially here,” he said. “I just want to do my own thing and show my qualities. Of course, he was an amazing player, but different from me. I just want to try to do my own thing.”
The forward may make his unofficial debut this Thursday when Arsenal face arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur in a pre-season clash in Hong Kong.
Manager Mikel Arteta revealed that it didn’t take long to see the striker’s connection to the club even before he pulled on the shirt.
“I use the word conviction and that’s the first thing that I noticed when I spoke to him,” said Arteta.
“Someone very determined, someone that was already really attached to the club the way he was talking about the club, the history and in this case Thierry and what the shirt represented. He straight away felt it, and when you feel it, go for it.”
Since the announcement of his signing, demand for Gyokeres’ replica shirts has surged, reportedly breaking club sales records.
“Of course, it’s great to see. It’s very nice. Of course that gives you extra motivation,” Gyokeres said. “I think I have enough expectations of myself. I’ll just try to perform anyway.”
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