Viktor Gyokeres Responds To Thierry Henry Comparisons After Taking Arsenal’s Iconic No.14 Shirt

‎Arsenal striker, Viktor Gyokeres, has expressed his ambition to create his own place in the club’s history and has downplayed comparisons to Thierry Henry.

‎The 27-year-old Swedish international, who scored 54 goals last season, recently completed a €63.5 million ($72.56 million) transfer from Sporting. Gyokeres also took on the number 14 jersey, emphasizing his focus on making his own mark at the club.

‎Gyokeres took Arsenal’s vacant number 14 shirt, which former captain Henry famously wore on the way to becoming the club’s record scorer.

‎”Of course I know about the history,” Gyokeres told British media on Wednesday.

‎”To be honest, there weren’t so many numbers available. There weren’t too many to pick from.

‎”But of course, that one was available. So when I knew that, it was an easy choice to take it.”

‎Henry won two Premier League titles, three FA Cups, and the Premier League Golden Boot four times with Arsenal, but Gyokeres is not worried about any comparisons that may come between the two.

‎”It’s not really my intention to be compared with what he’s achieved in his career. Especially here. I just want to do my own thing and show my qualities. Of course, he was an amazing player, but different from me.”

‎Arteta said he felt the number would be a good fit for Gyokeres after their initial meeting.

‎”I use the word conviction and that’s the first thing that I noticed when I spoke to him,” he explained.

‎”Someone very determined, someone who was already really attached to the club, the way he was talking about the club, the history, and in this case Thierry and what the shirt represented. He straight away felt it, and when you feel it go for it.”

‎There has been a huge fan reaction to Gyokeres’ signing with purchases of his replica shirt breaking club records.

‎”Of course, it’s great to see. It’s very nice. Of course that gives you extra motivation,” he added.

‎”I think I have enough expectations of myself. I’ll just try to perform anyway.”

‎Arsenal will kick off their new Premier League season with a match against Manchester United on August 17th.