26 year old Swedish forward Victor Gyökeres has been one of the best players in Europe over the past 18 months for Portuguese side Sporting CP.
With 43 goals and 15 assists last season alongside being the Primeira Liga’s top scorer with 29 strikes, Gyökeres spearheaded Sporting CP to the league title with 90 points and ten clear of second placed FC Porto.
This put Sporting CP back in the Champions League through league positions despite losing 3-2 on aggregate in the Europa League round of 16 last season against eventual winners Atalanta.
Having netted eight times already in five league matches and making it 11 goals and 5 assists in all competitions this season; the red-hot Gyökeres spoke in depth on the eve of his Champions League debut.
“I think everyone that plays football always has a dream of playing in the Champions League,” said Gyökeres just before his side hosted French club LOSC Lille.
“Like I said, it’s a dream to play in the Champions League so of course I want to do well in it. The aim we have as a team and for me personally, as well, is to perform and have some great matches.”
Gyökeres explains team’s great form
Currently sitting top of the Primeira Liga with five wins from five as well as scoring a ridiculous 19 goals and conceding just two; Gyökeres expressed that his team were feeling in good spirits before starting their European campaign.
“Not perfect, but very good. I think it can be better, but yes, I feel great. The team and I are looking forward to tomorrow and I think that we have prepared well for the game, so we are excited.”
“I think we aim to win the matches we play, wherever we go. So, we go for the win, and we see how far that can take us.”
Gyökeres discusses his future
His incredible form and goal scoring talent has caught the eye of many big European clubs putting his Sporting CP future in doubt. Gyökeres acknowledges this but refuses to give any assurances as to where he will be playing his football in the future.
“That [contract], we will see, I don’t know. I’m very happy here at Sporting so it’s no problem for me to stay. My value is my value, we’ll see what it is when something happens.”
Regardless of what is to happen in future years, Sporting CP will hope Gyökeres can spearhead the club to their first Champions League knockout appearance since 2009 and possibly even past their record run of a quarter-final in 1983.
