\n<\/p>\n
Such was Gyokeres’ influence in the green half of Lisbon after joining from Coventry City in 2023 (97 goals in 102 matches) that only three footballers in Portuguese history have a better goals-per-game ratio than him: Fernando Peyroteo (526 goals in 325 matches), Eusebio (475 goals in 452 matches) and Mario Jardel (239 goals in 250 matches).<\/p>\n
“He was one of the best, if not the best, deals in their history,” Sporting legend and former Portugal international Ricardo Sa Pinto told BBC Sport.<\/p>\n
“First, in footballing terms, without a doubt a top signing – one of the most impressive players Sporting have ever had. Then financially as well. <\/p>\n
“At the time, people were a bit apprehensive – paying around 20m euros for a Coventry player, with no real track record or CV. He had talent, everyone could see that, but still.<\/p>\n
“So full credit must go to the recruitment department, because they identified a huge opportunity. Of course, we would all have liked him to stay, but at 26 or 27, after two great seasons, it’s natural for a player to want to move to another league, a different level, with different objectives.”<\/p>\n
Despite all that, it remains to be seen how Sporting fans will welcome Gyokeres, 27, back following a tumultuous summer involving his Arsenal move.<\/p>\n
“It was sad. But there was nothing I could have done differently. It wasn’t something I could control,” the forward has said.<\/p>\n
Until the deal was finalised, the Swede failed to report for pre-season, missed several training sessions and refused to return to Lisbon.<\/p>\n
“He should still be welcomed with a huge ovation and real gratitude from all of us. Of course, departures are always complicated,” Sa Pinto said.<\/p>\n
“There was a bit of a stand-off at the time, with the club defending its interests – that doesn’t mean, though, that they didn’t like him, and the fans obviously do like him and understand the situation.”<\/p>\n
A recent poll by CNN Portugal\/Mais Futebol found 50% of Sporting’s supporters believe Gyokeres should be applauded on his return. The answer will come on Tuesday night.<\/p>\n
Sporting boss Rui Borges said he was “sure” Gyokeres will be welcomed by fans because he “marked the history of Sporting, and he deserves this acknowledgement”.<\/p>\n
“He had the ambition, and after talking to the management, they came to an understanding so ultimately everything that happened was correct for both sides,” added Borges.<\/p>\n
“He wanted to take that step in his career and we respect that.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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