Victor Goqueres left Sporting Lisbon unemployed last summer to pursue a move to Arsenal, but is likely to receive a frosty reception when he returns on Tuesday.
Victor Gokeres’ move to Arsenal was a painful one (Image: Glyn KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Sporting Lisbon star Maxi Araujo has insisted there is no bad relationship between the dressing room and Arsenal’s Victor Goqueres despite his bitter exit. Gökeres, 27, spent two years in Lisbon, scoring an astonishing 97 goals in 102 games and becoming one of Europe’s most coveted strikers.
However, things ended quite acrimoniously between him and the Portuguese giants. Gökeres was made unemployed and did not return to pre-season training in order to push through his £64m transfer to Arsenal, but the move was ultimately completed in late July.
The Sweden international has been criticized by Sporting fans, but Araujo and his teammates do not feel “betrayed” by him. “The team and I were happy with his performance. He deserved it,” said the Uruguayan left-back.
“He has done great things for Sporting. I think personally and the whole group were happy to see him leave. I wish him the best.”
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Araujo’s comments echo those made by Rui Borges Sporting coach, who took over six months before Goqueres’ departure. “He’s a great player. I’m sure he will be welcomed by everyone because he has written his name in Sporting’s history, and he deserves this recognition,” the Portugal coach said at the pre-match press conference.
“I always try to keep a balance and try to understand everyone. He had ambitions and after speaking with the management they came to an understanding so in the end what happened was right for both sides. Both Sporting and the player got what they wanted. He wanted to take that step in his career and we respect that.”
“The players will change, but the club will remain the same and Sporting will continue to win. I wish him all the best and I’m sure he will be very welcome here because of the great admiration we have for him.”
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Maxi Araujo and Victor Goqueres were teammates (Image: Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)
Despite finishing his free-scoring spell at Sporting, Gokeres struggled to adapt to Arsenal’s style of play following his transfer. Now, with 10 goals in his last 15 games for club and country, the striker’s confidence is growing.
“I think he had to adapt in the early stages, considering the style of play and the way Arsenal play,” Borges continued. “But he’s still a great forward and now he’s back to his job of scoring goals.
“In the early stages, the[Arsenal]fans were skeptical because of the amount they paid for him, but little by little the truth started to surface. He is a really good player and I think he will continue to score goals.”
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