Cristiano Ronaldo has spoken publicly about Viktor Gyökeres’s move from Sporting CP to Arsenal after the Swedish striker’s mixed start in the Premier League. Gyökeres, who scored prolifically for Sporting last season, joined Arsenal in a high-profile summer transfer but has struggled to find his rhythm in early matches.

Ronaldo, a Sporting academy graduate himself, described Gyökeres as a “special” and “decisive” forward, praising his work rate and finishing ability. While acknowledging that losing such a key player is a blow for Sporting, Ronaldo said the Portuguese side has the resilience and quality to adapt, thanks to their strong recruitment and youth system.

The 39-year-old also expressed confidence that Gyökeres will settle in at Arsenal, noting that adapting to the pace and physicality of English football takes time, even for top strikers. Ronaldo ended by wishing him success in London and reaffirming his support for Sporting’s continued progress without their talisman.