VIKTOR GYOKERES has explained why he decided to join Arsenal over Manchester United.
The Swede, 27, completed a £63.5million move to the Gunners from Sporting CP earlier today.
Gyokeres also received summer interest from Man Utd, in a move that would have reunited him with former Sporting boss Ruben Amorim.
But despite his working relationship with United’s Portuguese manager, the striker decided to snub interest from Old Trafford to sign for Arsenal.
Upon joining the Gunners, Gyokeres lifted the lid on his thought process.
The Arsenal new-boy said: “I just felt that it was the right club for me.
“What I heard from Mikel [Arteta] and Andrea [Berta] when I was speaking with them, and just what I’ve seen in the past years, how they’ve been playing football.
“When I was playing against Arsenal last season, I could really feel it was a very strong team and very difficult to play against.
“That made me choose Arsenal, and of course all the history the club has and the massive fanbase.
“It’s been amazing to see all the support that they have already given me before I even arrived. That’s what it’s all about. It’s going to be very nice to see them in the stadiums as well.”
Gyokeres has signed a five-year deal worth around £300,000 a week at Arsenal.
The former Brighton, Swansea and Coventry forward has been handed the No14 shirt at the Emirates, made famous by club icon Thierry Henry.
Gyokeres could make his first appearance in an Arsenal shirt against Tottenham in Hong Kong next Thursday.
Upon completing the marquee signing, boss Mikel Arteta said: “We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Viktor Gyokeres to the club.
“The consistency he has shown in his performances and availability have been outstanding, and his goal contributions speak for themselves.
“Viktor has so many qualities. He is a quick and powerful presence up front, with incredible goalscoring numbers at club and international levels.
“He brings a clinical edge with a high conversion rate of chances into goals, with his intelligent movement in the box making him a constant threat.
“We’re excited about what Viktor brings to our squad and are looking forward to start working with him.
“We welcome Viktor and his family to Arsenal.”
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