Sporting Lisbon's true feelings on Viktor Gyokeres after bitter Arsenal transfer

Sporting Lisbon's true feelings on Viktor Gyokeres after bitter Arsenal transferViktor Gyokeres left Sporting Lisbon under a cloud last summer, having gone AWOL in order to push through his move to Arsenal, and he could get a frosty reception when he returns on TuesdayCommentsSportNathan Ridley Senior Sports Reporter07:56, 07 Apr 2026View 2 ImagesViktor Gyokeres' move to Arsenal was acrimonious(Image: Glyn KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)Sporting Lisbon star Maxi Araujo insists that there's no bad blood between their dressing room and Arsenal's Viktor Gyokeres, despite his bitter departure. Gyokeres, 27, enjoyed two years in Lisbon, scoring an obscene 97 goals in 102 games to make himself one of the most coveted strikers in Europe.‌But it ended rather acrimoniously between him and the Portuguese giants. Gyokeres went AWOL and didn't return for pre-season training in order to push through his £64million transfer to Arsenal, which was eventually finalised in late July.‌The Sweden international was criticised by Sporting's fans, but Araujo and his team-mates don't feel 'betrayed' by him. "The group and I were happy for him, he deserved it," the Uruguayan left-back said.‌"He did something incredible for Sporting. Personally, and I think the whole group was happy for his departure. I wish him the best."FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news and more on our dedicated Facebook pageREAD MORE: Sporting CP vs Arsenal injury news as eight players could miss Champions League clashREAD MORE: Mikel Arteta hits back at Arsenal's critics with firm message before Sporting clashAraujo's comments echo those of Sporting manager Rui Borges, who was appointed six months prior to Gyokeres' exit. The Portuguese boss told a pre-match press conference: "He is a great player, and I am sure he will be welcomed by everyone because he marked the history of Sporting, and he deserves this acknowledgement.‌"...