«Sporting's reception meant a lot to me,» Gyokeres confesses

The goals were plentiful, but the controversy surrounding his summer move to England was equally immense, hence the anticipation for the striker's return to Alvalade. Applause or jeers? Arsenal secured a 1-0 victory, but he was applauded from his arrival until his departure in this UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg. His former teammates and the entire Sporting staff also greeted him with a warm embrace. Gyokeres was visibly moved.

«It was great to be back in Lisbon, and I can truly say it was wonderful. Even right after I finished warming up and saw the reception I received… It meant a lot to me,» the striker confessed in an interview with the Seeing Red podcast.

«At Sporting, they really like me, and I like them. It was strange to play against them, but it was also good to win the game,» admitted the 27-year-old Swede, who now awaits the Lions in London on Wednesday for the second leg.