He Deserved More Respect” – Striker’s Camp Breaks Silence on Bitter Sporting Exit as €63.5m Transfer Finally Sealed
The agent of Arsenal’s new star signing Viktor Gyökeres has lifted the lid on the explosive fallout that marred the Swedish striker’s final days at Sporting CP, revealing broken promises, last-minute roadblocks, and a staggering €6.5 million sacrifice to make the transfer happen.
Gyökeres, 27, completed his €63.5 million move to the Emirates last week after a dramatic standoff with Sporting, where he refused to train amid accusations of bad faith from the Portuguese club. But his representatives tell a different story—one of unmet assurances and a player who felt disrespected despite delivering 43 goals and three trophies in a single season.
“If he was still at Sporting, the deal would have been done in an hour,” agent Jonathan Chalkias told WTV (via A Bola), referencing a supposed agreement with former Sporting director Hugo Viana that would have allowed Gyökeres to leave for a reasonable fee this summer. “Everything was written, but we didn’t have time for a legal battle.”
Chalkias also disputed reports that Gyökeres went on strike, insisting it was Sporting’s decision to grant him “extra vacation” rather than have him train. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, the club allegedly tried to orchestrate a move to Real Madrid or Manchester United—despite the player’s clear preference for Arsenal.
Perhaps the most shocking revelation? Gyökeres’ agents waived a staggering €6.5 million in commission to push the deal through. “The sacrifices we made were probably the turning point,” Chalkias admitted.
For Gyökeres, the move fulfills a carefully planned career path. After leaving Coventry for Portugal to prove himself, he now returns to the Premier League as one of Europe’s most lethal strikers—with a point to prove.
“Viktor always trusted the project,” Chalkias said. “He took a step back to take two forward.”
Now, with the saga behind him, the focus shifts to North London—where Arsenal fans are eager to see if their new No. 14 can replicate his Sporting heroics in the red and white.
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