The Sweden international also left Sporting after helping the club win the Portuguese league and cup double last season.
Ronaldo, who began his professional career at Sporting before joining Manchester United in 2003, insists his former club will remain ‘competitive’ despite Gyokeres’ departure.
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Cristiano Ronaldo says Viktor Gyokeres was a ‘special player’ for Sporting (Action Images via Reuters)
‘I hope it’s a competitive league. I always hope for the best and that Sporting can be champions again,’ Ronaldo said.
‘We only miss those who are there, that’s what they say. I believe Sporting will be competitive.
‘Gyokeres was a special player, but the team will have to adapt.
‘I believe [Luis] Suarez, who arrived from Almeria, is an excellent forward. [Conrad] Harder is also a good player, young, and needs time.
‘I watched the Super Cup, Sporting performed well against Benfica but they didn’t win because they couldn’t, that’s football.’
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