Cristiano Ronaldo sends message to Arsenal over Viktor Gyokeres transfer

Gyökeres forced the move by refusing to train with Sporting, and he arrives in North London with high expectations after netting 97 goals in 102 matches for the Portuguese side.

He leaves Sporting on a high, having played a key role in their league and cup double triumph last season.

Ronaldo, who launched his career at Sporting before moving to Manchester United in the early 2000s, believes the club will continue to thrive even after losing their star forward.

‘I hope it’s a competitive league. I always hope for the best and that Sporting can be champions again,’ Ronaldo said.

‘We only miss those who are there, that’s what they say. I believe Sporting will be competitive.

‘Gyokeres was a special player, but the team will have to adapt.

‘I believe [Luis] Suarez, who arrived from Almeria, is an excellent forward. [Conrad] Harder is also a good player, young, and needs time.

‘I watched the Super Cup, Sporting performed well against Benfica but they didn’t win because they couldn’t, that’s football.’