Man Utd-linked Viktor Gyokeres reveals desire to follow in Cristiano Ronaldo & Zlatan Ibrahimovic's footsteps as Sporting CP striker adds fuel to transfer rumours

The Swedish striker has been in sensational form for Sporting CP, scoring 25 goals in just 22 games this season. Despite his impact on the pitch, Sporting's struggles since head coach Ruben Amorim's departure for Old Trafford have reportedly unsettled the 25-year-old striker, leaving him to contemplate his future, with a summer move appearing increasingly likely.

With Amorim now part of the Red Devils' setup, the transfer dynamic has shifted in their favour. Gyokeres’ links to United have grown stronger in the last few weeks. Moreover, the Swede’s admiration for Ronaldo and Ibrahimovic and his desire to emulate their achievements adds a compelling twist to the transfer narrative.

Ahead of Sporting's Champions League clash with Club Brugge, Gyokeres revealed his football inspirations during an interview with UEFA.

"The players who inspire me are Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Cristiano Ronaldo," he said. "Because of the way they behave on the pitch. They went above and beyond what was expected, that's what impressed me. I want to do similar things on the pitch. in today's football, you need to be physically strong, have the talent to score goals, communicate and combine well with other teammates. My three best qualities are my physicality, my finishing and often being in the right place to score."

Ronaldo and Ibrahimovic are two of football’s greatest goalscorers, leaving a lasting legacy at United and beyond. Ronaldo scored 145 goals in 346 appearances across two spells with the Red Devils. Whereas, Ibrahimovic netted 28 goals in his debut season at Old Trafford, leading United to a League Cup and Europa League double. It is no surprise that Gyokeres looks up to these two icons, whose achievements have inspired countless young players.

Sporting CP will undoubtedly fight to retain their star striker beyond 2025, but their poor form and managerial upheaval may make it difficult. He will be back in action against Brugge on Tuesday, whereas, United will make a trip to Viktoria Plezn on Thursday for a Europa League fixture before playing arch-rivals Manchester City in a crucial Premier League derby clash on Sunday.