Viktor Gyokeres 'defined an era' but Sporting CP boss backs new Arsenal star's replacement to shine as Portuguese side move on from tense transfer saga

Sporting CP head coach Borges reflected on losing talismanic striker Gyokeres to Arsenal, noting that the Sweden international, with his impeccable exploits in front of goal, "defined an era" at the club during his short two-year stint. He does, however, remain confident that the club will not be impacted by Gyokeres' departure, placing faith in a new arrival.

The Lions have already announced the arrival of Colombian striker Luis Suarez from Almeria. The former Almeria star will have huge shoes to fill, as Gyokeres found the back of the net an astounding 97 times in just 102 appearances, becoming the foreign player with the third-most goals in the club's history (behind Brazil's Liedson and Argentina's Hector Yazalde). While the 27-year-old will be raring to light up the Emirates in the iconic No.14, akin to the legendary Thierry Henry, Suarez will have to ensure they can help Sporting retain the Liga Portugal crown, something Borges is not too worried about.

Speaking for the first time since Gyokeres' exit, Borges told Sport TV: "He's a player who defined an era at Sporting and in Portuguese football, but unfortunately, he's gone. He was important in the last two seasons at Sporting, and we'll always be very grateful, but we're already in a different phase. We'll reinvent ourselves with what we have and with the new players to remain strong. Great players have passed through Sporting; everyone comes and goes, but the club retains its greatness and demands. We're already looking at a different path, with a different way of being and thinking, always striving to be competitive and victorious."

He also spoke about Suarez, adding: "We had already anticipated Suarez. We knew that after the two seasons he spent here, Viktor would leave, so we were prepared. I believe he will make his mark on Sporting and will help us become strong and successful. He's different from Viktor, but he'll be important."

The reigning Portuguese champions will play the 2025-26 curtain-raiser against Benfica this weekend, as the two sides lock horns for the Supertaca Candido de Oliveira trophy.