Viktor Gyokeres scored 97 goals in 102 games for Sporting but here's why he could still be BOOED on Lisbon return vs Arsenal

Sporting striker Victor Gyokeres
Victor Gyokeres could be on the receiving end of some boos in Lisbon. (Image credit: Getty Images)

Arsenal striker Victor Gyokeres could be greeted by a chorus of boos when he returns to Lisbon to face Sporting in the Champions League.

The Gunners' centre forward was prolific for the Portuguese side, scoring 97 goals in 102 matches, and helping them claim two Primeira Liga titles.

Why Sporting threatened to fine Victor Gyokeres

Arsenal forward Viktor Gyokeres signed for the club last summer from Sporting Lisbon

Gyokeres eventually pushed through a move to Arsenal last summer (Image credit: Getty Images)

Sporting threatened the player with fines and further punishment after he failed to turn up for a pre-season training camp in the Algarve.

The striker instead decided to stay in Sweden with his family, making it clear he wanted his time in Portugal to come to an end.

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Viktor Gyokeres in training with Sporting

Gyokeres failed to turn up to a pre-season training camp. (Image credit: Getty Images)

Eventually, the move was forced through, with supporters' groups unveiling two banners during pre-season games criticising the player.

One read: "I don't cry for those who leave, I'm happy for those who stay" while another stated: "No one is above the club's interests, no matter who they are."

However, the striker does still have some friends among the fanbase, and may even be welcomed back fondly one day.

A recent poll by CNN Portugal/Mais Futebol revealed that as many as 50 per cent of Sporting's supporters believe Gyokeres should be given a round of applause on his return.

That is how Sporting boss Rui Borges would like the striker to be welcomed back. He said in his pre-match press conference: "[Gyokeres] marked the history of Sporting, and he deserves this acknowledgement."

Viktor Gyokeres salutes Sporting fans after their Taca de Portugal victory

Gyokeres tarnished his relationship with the Sporting fans over the summer. (Image credit: Getty Images)

Gyokeres was one of several players who upset fans by forcing through moves in last summer's transfer window.

Perhaps most famously among those was Newcastle United's Alexander Isak, who refused to take part in pre-season training and released a statement claiming "promises" had been broken and "trust was lost" between himself and the Magpies.

Similarly, the man lined up to be his replacement at St James' Park, Yoane Wissa, removed all mention of Brentford from his social media accounts and also refused to play to force a move to the north east.

Ryan Gray
Freelance Writer

Ryan Gray is a freelance writer, covering mainly travel and occasionally sport. He previously spent two years as Sports Editor at the Watford Observer before turning his hand to travel writing, with his work appearing in various national UK publications. He has gone from providing matchday commentary for Blyth Spartans to covering FA Cup and Euros finals, as well as interviewing the likes of Claudio Ranieri, Alan Shearer and Glenn Hoddle, among other big names. 

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