Viktor Gyokeres has hailed former Manchester United stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic as his idols, adding fuel to transfer speculation.
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Gyokeres reportedly on Man Utd's shortlistHas been linked with a summer move to OTAmorim's arrival in Manchester helping the causeFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱GettyWHAT HAPPENED?
The Swedish striker has been in sensational form for Sporting CP, scoring 25 goals in just 22 games this season. Despite his impact on the pitch, Sporting's struggles since head coach Ruben Amorim's departure for Old Trafford have reportedly unsettled the 25-year-old striker, leaving him to contemplate his future, with a summer move appearing increasingly likely.
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With Amorim now part of the Red Devils' setup, the transfer dynamic has shifted in their favour. Gyokeres’ links to United have grown stronger in the last few weeks. Moreover, the Swede’s admiration for Ronaldo and Ibrahimovic and his desire to emulate their achievements adds a compelling twist to the transfer narrative.
WHAT GYOKERES SAID
Ahead of Sporting's Champions League clash with Club Brugge, Gyokeres revealed his football inspirations during an interview with UEFA.
"The players who inspire me are Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Cristiano Ronaldo," he said. "Because of the way they behave on the pitch. They went above and beyond what was expected, that's what impressed me. I want to do similar things on the pitch. in today's football, you need to be physically strong, have the talent to score goals, communicate and combine well with other teammates. My three best qualities are my physicality, my finishing and often being in the right place to score."
AFPDID YOU KNOW?
Ronaldo and Ibrahimovic are two of football’s greatest goalscorers, leaving a lasting legacy at United and beyond. Ronaldo scored 145 goals in 346 appearances across two spells with the Red Devils. Whereas, Ibrahimovic netted 28 goals in his debut season at Old Trafford, leading United to a League Cup and Europa League double. It is no surprise that Gyokeres looks up to these two icons, whose achievements have inspired countless young players.