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Viktor Gyökeres Responds to Comparisons With Thierry Henry After Choosing Arsenal’s Iconic Number 14
Viktor Gyökeres has kicked off his journey with Arsenal by making a notable choice: the Swedish striker has opted to wear the legendary number 14, a shirt number famously worn by Thierry Henry, one of the most iconic figures in the London club’s history. However, far from being overwhelmed by nostalgia or comparisons, the new Gunners signing has made it clear he wants to build his own legacy at the Emirates Stadium.
In football, some shirt numbers carry historical weight. The “7” at Manchester United, the “10” at FC Barcelona, and the “14” at Arsenal are numbers forever linked with players who shaped eras. For the Gunners, the number worn by Henry represents greatness. The 1998 World Cup winner scored 226 goals in 370 appearances, becoming the club’s all-time top scorer and earning a statue outside the stadium.
“I don’t want to be compared to Henry, he’s different from me”
Fully aware of the symbolic importance of his new number, Gyökeres was quick to address it: “I don’t intend to be compared to what he achieved in his career, especially here. I just want to do my job and show my qualities,” said the Scandinavian forward during Arsenal’s preseason tour in Asia.
The former Sporting CP striker admitted that choosing the number 14 was partly due to limited availability at the time of his arrival: “I know the number’s history. To be honest, there weren’t many choices, but once I saw it was available, the decision was easy.”
Developed at the modest IF Brommapojkarna and rising to prominence in Portugal, the forward didn’t have the dream debut he hoped for: Arsenal lost 0–1 in a friendly against Tottenham, and he didn’t find the net. Still, Gyökeres knows the real challenge begins when the Premier League season kicks off.
The Swedish international isn’t trying to be the next Henry—and he doesn’t need to be. He has his own strengths, his own playing style, and above all, the drive to succeed at one of the most demanding clubs in English football. The history has already been written—now it’s his turn to write the present.
