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Sporting Lisbon fans are unhappy about the way he forced his move to the Premier League
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The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week. Become a Member in Seconds Unlock instant access to exclusive member features. You are now subscribed Your newsletter sign-up was successful Want to add more newsletters? Five times a week Four Four Two Daily Fantastic football content straight to your inbox! From the latest transfer news, quizzes, videos, features and interviews with the biggest names in the game, plus lots more. Once a week . .. And it’s LIVE! Sign up to our FREE live football newsletter, tracking all of the biggest games available to watch on the device of your choice. Never miss a kick-off! Join the club Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards. Arsenal striker Victor Gyokeres could be greeted by a chorus of boos when he returns to Lisbon to face Sporting in the Champions League. The Gunners' centre forward was prolific for the Portuguese side, scoring 97 goals in 102 matches, and helping them claim two Primeira Liga titles. However, not all Sporting fans remember him fondly, after the way he acted in order to force through a move to North London.
Sporting threatened the player with fines and further punishment after he failed to turn up for a pre-season training camp in the Algarve. The striker instead decided to stay in Sweden with his family, making it clear he wanted his time in Portugal to come to an end. Get VIP Arsenal tickets HERE with Seat Unique! Arsenal's premium Club Level tickets offer superb padded seating and access to the lounge two-and-a-half hours pre-match. The package includes four drinks, one food item, and a half-time complimentary drink. Guests also receive a £5 merchandise voucher and a complimentary Museum Tour, ensuring an elevated and comprehensive matchday experience for home supporters.
Eventually, the move was forced through, with supporters' groups unveiling two banners during pre-season games criticising the player. One read: "I don't cry for those who leave, I'm happy for those who stay" while another stated: "No one is above the club's interests, no matter who they are. " The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week. However, the striker does still have some friends among the fanbase, and may even be welcomed back fondly one day. A recent poll by CNN Portugal/Mais Futebol revealed that as many as 50 per cent of Sporting's supporters believe Gyokeres should be given a round of applause on his return. That is how Sporting boss Rui Borges would like the striker to be welcomed back. He said in his pre-match press conference: "[Gyokeres] marked the history of Sporting, and he deserves this acknowledgement. "
Gyokeres was one of several players who upset fans by forcing through moves in last summer's transfer window. Perhaps most famously among those was Newcastle United's Alexander Isak, who refused to take part in pre-season training and released a statement claiming "promises" had been broken and "trust was lost" between himself and the Magpies. Similarly, the man lined up to be his replacement at St James' Park, Yoane Wissa, removed all mention of Brentford from his social media accounts and also refused to play to force a move to the north east. Ryan Gray is a freelance writer, covering mainly travel and occasionally sport. He previously spent two years as Sports Editor at the Watford Observer before turning his hand to travel writing, with his work appearing in various national UK publications. He has gone from providing matchday commentary for Blyth Spartans to covering FA Cup and Euros finals, as well as interviewing the likes of Claudio Ranieri, Alan Shearer and Glenn Hoddle, among other big names. You must confirm your public display name before commenting Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
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