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Victor Gyokeres could be on the receiving end of some boos in Lisbon. | Credit: Getty Images
Arsenal striker Victor Gyokeres could be greeted by a chorus of boos when he returns to Lisbon to face Sporting in the Champions League.
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The Gunners' centre forward was prolific for the Portuguese side, scoring 97 goals in 102 matches, and helping them claim two Primeira Liga titles.
However, not all Sporting fans remember him fondly, after the way he acted in order to force through a move to North London.
Gyokeres eventually pushed through a move to Arsenal last summer | Credit: Getty Images
Sporting threatened the player with fines and further punishment after he failed to turn up for a pre-season training camp in the Algarve.
The striker instead decided to stay in Sweden with his family, making it clear he wanted his time in Portugal to come to an end.
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Gyokeres failed to turn up to a pre-season training camp. | Credit: Getty Images
Eventually, the move was forced through, with supporters' groups unveiling two banners during pre-season games criticising the player.
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One read: "I don't cry for those who leave, I'm happy for those who stay" while another stated: "No one is above the club's interests, no matter who they are."
However, the striker does still have some friends among the fanbase, and may even be welcomed back fondly one day.
A recent poll by CNN Portugal/Mais Futebol revealed that as many as 50 per cent of Sporting's supporters believe Gyokeres should be given a round of applause on his return.
That is how Sporting boss Rui Borges would like the striker to be welcomed back. He said in his pre-match press conference: "[Gyokeres] marked the history of Sporting, and he deserves this acknowledgement."
Gyokeres tarnished his relationship with the Sporting fans over the summer. | Credit: Getty Images
Gyokeres was one of several players who upset fans by forcing through moves in last summer's transfer window.
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Perhaps most famously among those was Newcastle United's Alexander Isak, who refused to take part in pre-season training and released a statement claiming "promises" had been broken and "trust was lost" between himself and the Magpies.
Similarly, the man lined up to be his replacement at St James' Park, Yoane Wissa, removed all mention of Brentford from his social media accounts and also refused to play to force a move to the north east.
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