Viktor Gyokeres said he "can't thank" former head coach Ruben Amorim enough for getting the best out of him at Sporting CP.

Gyokeres was signed for Sporting by Amorim in July 2023, with the striker establishing himself as a force in the Primeira Liga.

He scored a league-high 29 goals in his maiden campaign, helping Sporting to their first title in 19 years, before netting 39 times to help them retain their crown last term.

His 68 league goals since the start of 2023-24 are the most of any player in Europe's top 10 leagues (Harry Kane is second with 62).

Those goals have come from chances worth a total of 53.6 expected goals (xG), giving him an overperformance of 14.4. 

Amorim left Sporting to join Manchester United last November, but Gyokeres credited the 40-year-old for getting the best out of him.

"The style of play we had under him suited me perfectly," Gyokeres told L'Equipe.

"We won two championships in a row for the first time in 71 years. It's an incredible achievement and, of course, Ruben Amorim played a big part in that. I can't thank him enough."

Gyokeres also admitted it was a surprise that Amorim opted to leave Sporting, who were top of the Primeira Liga, having won all 11 of their matches at the time of his departure.

"It was a shock; I'd never seen a coach leave in the middle of the season when everything was going so well. No hard feelings," he added.

"Yes, it was surprising, but I totally understand his decision."

Gyokeres had been tipped for a reunion with Amorim at Manchester United but is now rumoured to be closing in on a move to a different Premier League club.

Arsenal are reportedly the front-runners for his signature, with talks between the clubs said to be ongoing.