'I don't feel I need to prove anything' - Viktor Gyokeres hits back at critics of Sporting exit after big-money Arsenal move

Gyokeres left Sporting under a cloud this summer, as he went AWOL in a bid to force through his move to the Gunners. The Sweden international was subsequently criticised by the club's supporters, though he has once again defended himself. 

The 27-year-old has scored twice in three games for Arsenal and he maintains that most of his critics simply have no idea what they are talking about; he also refused to elaborate on details of his absence, insisting that the holiday was "extended" due to ongoing negotiations. 

Gyokeres told reporters at a press conference: “There are a lot of people out there who have strong opinions about things they don’t really know. Everyone’s entitled to an opinion, but it’s impossible to please everyone. I don’t feel I need to prove anything to people who have no insight into what actually happened.

“It was tough. We waited a long time at one point, but I’m happy it was finalised in time and I got to be part of the pre-season. Of course it was a shame how it ended, but that’s how it went this time. Sometimes life is like that.”

Asked about going AWOL, Gyokeres added: “I was in negotiations and the holiday was extended because of that. I don’t want to go into details about why I didn’t come back.”

Gyokeres will next be in action when Sweden play Slovenia and Kosovo in World Cup qualifiers.