Viktor Gyokeres admits journey to Arsenal has been 'tough' as £64m man reveals real reason behind taking iconic No.14 shirt

Gyokeres has completed a huge £64 million ($86m) move to the Gunners from Sporting CP, after a season in which he scored 54 goals in all competitions. However, he has endured a circuitous route to north London, playing for Brommapojkarna in his native Sweden before making moves to Brighton and Coventry City prior to arriving in Portugal. He also spent time on loan at St. Pauli and Swansea.

Now, the Swede has been entrusted with the No.14 shirt, previously worn by Thierry Henry at Arsenal, and the reason for that is simple: The No.9 shirt simply was not available, as it is instead in the possession of Gabriel Jesus.

Gyokeres told CNN: “It’s hard to describe my mentality and there are a lot of different reasons why I have it. It’s not been an easy way to get here. There were a lot of times where things haven’t really gone the way I wanted and that was tough. But you learn and grow a lot at the same time. You really have to know what to do to play at a high level, both as a player and a person.”

On choosing No.14, Gyokeres replied: “I know a lot of great players have had (that number) and there’s a big history behind it. It’s an honour to wear it, but there wasn't too many numbers available as well. It was an easy pick for me."

Gyokeres could make his Arsenal debut against Tottenham in a pre-season north London derby on Thursday. Head coach Mikel Arteta has said a late call will be made on his fitness.