Arsenal’s new signing Viktor Gyokeres has said he is focused on creating his own legacy at the club, after being handed the iconic number 14 shirt once worn by Thierry Henry.
The 27-year-old Sweden international completed his €63.5 million (£54m) transfer from Sporting Lisbon on Saturday, 27 July, following a prolific season in which he scored 54 goals across all competitions.
Gyokeres will wear Arsenal’s number 14 shirt, famously associated with club legend Henry, who scored a record 228 goals during his time in north London.
“Of course I know about the history,” Gyokeres told British media on Wednesday, 31 July. “But to be honest, there weren’t many numbers available. That one was free, so it was an easy choice in the end.
“It’s not really my intention to be compared with what he achieved here. I just want to do my own thing and show my qualities. He was an amazing player — but different from me.”
Arsenal begin their Premier League campaign away to Manchester United on 17 August.