Viktor Gyokeres plays down Thierry Henry comparisons after taking Arsenal No. 14 shirt

HONG KONG – New Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres said he wants to carve out his own place in the club’s history and has played down comparisons with Thierry Henry after taking the No. 14 jersey.

The 27-year-old Sweden international, who bagged 54 goals in all competitions last season, completed his €63.5 million (S$94 million) switch from Sporting Lisbon on July 26.

Gyokeres took Arsenal’s vacant No. 14 shirt, which former captain Henry famously wore on the way to becoming the club’s record scorer.

“Of course I know about the history,” he told British media.

“To be honest, there weren’t so many numbers available. There weren’t too many to pick from. But of course, that one was available. So when I knew that, it was an easy choice to take it.

“It’s not really my intention to be compared with what he’s achieved in his career. Especially here. I just want to do my own thing and show my qualities. Of course, he was an amazing player, but different from me.”

The Gunners were in pre-season action on July 31 at Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong, where they lost 1-0 to north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur – now managed by Thomas Frank.

Pape Matar Sarr scored just before half-time, as he chipped Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya from near the halfway line after the Spaniard drifted a long way out of his goal.

Gyokeres came on in the 77th minute to make his unofficial debut.

Fans would have wanted to see him right from the start, but he joined up with Arsenal on their Asia tour only less than five days ago and was playing fitness catch-up.

“It’s been really, really special coming to Hong Kong. Thank you so much (to the fans) for your support. Even though we lost, we love you guys,” said Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice.

“It’s been an incredible trip. We’ve really felt the love and that’s pushed us on.

“We lost tonight but we have another game on Wednesday (against Villarreal at the Emirates Stadium). It’s still pre-season and we’re going to push for big things this season.”

Besides Gyokeres, the Gunners have also signed goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, defender Cristhian Mosquera, midfielders Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard, and forward Noni Madueke.

Mikel Arteta was clearly pleased at the business the club have carried out in the transfer window so far, as he seeks to be the first Arsenal manager to win the Premier League since Arsene Wenger in 2003-04 season.

“I am extremely happy with the way that we have approached the window and how aggressive we’ve been,” said the Spaniard, whose team finished runners-up in the Premier League for the past three seasons.

Tottenham will fly to South Korea to face Newcastle United in Seoul on Aug 3, while Arsenal head home.

Arteta’s side begin their new English Premier League campaign at Manchester United on Aug 17.

United made it two wins out of two with a 4-1 victory over Bournemouth in the Premier League Summer Series pre-season tournament in Chicago on July 30.

Goals from Rasmus Hojlund, Patrick Dorgu, Amad Diallo and teenager Ethan Williams sealed an encouraging result for Ruben Amorim’s side at a rainy, windswept Soldier Field.

United, who had opened their tour with a 2-1 victory over West Ham United on July 26, were always in control against the Cherries, taking the lead after just eight minutes through Hojlund.

The only blemish for United was a late own goal from Matthijs de Ligt.

“It was a good game. We played with intensity. We were aggressive and that is something that we need to improve from last season,” said Amorim.

“We had better possession compared to the last game, so they are listening.

“It was just a pre-season game but the feeling with the same players, even being a pre-season game, if you look at the same players now playing, it looks like a different team (from last season) and that is a good sign.”
REUTERS, AFP