Football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has praised Arsenal’s new signing Viktor Gyokeres, describing the Swedish striker as a “special” talent.

Gyokeres joined the Gunners this summer from Sporting CP after a phenomenal spell in Portugal, where he scored an incredible 97 goals in just over 100 appearances across all competitions.

Ronaldo, who began his professional career at Sporting, admitted the club will miss Gyokeres but remains confident they will stay competitive.

“I always hope for the best for Sporting and that they can be champions again,” Ronaldo told Metro UK. “Gyokeres was a special player, but the team will have to adapt.”

Sporting have already moved to fill the gap by signing Luis Suarez from Almeria, who will now shoulder the responsibility of replacing Gyokeres’ firepower in the new season.

With Ronaldo’s seal of approval and a fresh challenge in the Premier League, all eyes will be on Gyokeres to see if he can replicate his stunning form in an Arsenal shirt.