In a powerful and emotional press conference earlier today, Arsenal’s newest signing, Victor Gyökeres, opened up about the true reason behind his move to North London — and it had little to do with financial incentives or tactical ambitions. Instead, the Swedish striker credited a personal connection with one Arsenal player who, according to him, changed everything.
“I didn’t join Arsenal just because I like them,” Gyökeres began, speaking with heartfelt honesty. “I came here because of what one Arsenal player did for me last season. That’s why I’m here. I really can’t wait to start the season with him.”
Sitting beside manager Mikel Arteta at Arsenal’s London Colney base, Gyökeres’ words carried an emotional weight that instantly grabbed the attention of fans and journalists alike. There was a brief pause as everyone waited to hear the name of the player responsible for influencing such a monumental decision.
Then he said it — Martin Ødegaard.
“It’s Martin,” Gyökeres revealed with a grin. “We spoke a few times during last season. He sent me messages after some of my best games, especially after I scored that Europa League hat-trick. He didn’t have to. But he did. That kind of support — it stuck with me.”
According to the Swedish international, it wasn’t just Ødegaard’s words, but the sincerity behind them, that made the biggest impact. “He wasn’t speaking like a club captain or trying to sell me on a project,” Gyökeres said. “He was genuine. He spoke to me like a brother, a friend, someone who believed in me even before this move was on the table.”
Ødegaard, Arsenal’s Norwegian maestro and one of the most respected figures in the squad, apparently went out of his way to make Gyökeres feel seen and valued. The bond, forged through their shared Scandinavian roots and mutual respect as professionals, became a decisive factor when Gyökeres was weighing his options this summer.
“He told me the truth about the club — the expectations, the demands, and most importantly, the unity in the dressing room,” Gyökeres explained. “He told me I’d be a perfect fit. And when someone like Martin Ødegaard says that, you believe it.”
Although Ødegaard wasn’t present during the press conference, sources inside the club confirmed that the Norwegian playmaker is “absolutely delighted” by Gyökeres’ arrival and has already taken the new striker under his wing in pre-season training.
Arteta, too, praised the influence of his captain, stating, “That’s exactly the kind of leadership we want. Martin didn’t just bring Victor here as a teammate — he brought him as a believer in what we’re building. And Victor? He’s already showing us he belongs.”
The chemistry between the two Scandinavians has already sparked excitement across the Arsenal fanbase. Social media platforms were quickly flooded with posts celebrating the connection, with many dubbing them the “Scandi Link-Up” and predicting a dynamic attacking duo that could elevate Arsenal’s title challenge this season.
With the Premier League season just around the corner, Gyökeres is raring to go. He’s not just motivated by goals or trophies — but by loyalty, gratitude, and the desire to repay the faith Ødegaard showed him when no one else did. “I want to fight for him. For this club. For everything he made me believe in,” Gyökeres concluded.
As the curtain rises on a new campaign, Arsenal fans now have a new partnership to look forward to — one rooted not just in footballing talent, but in friendship, respect, and shared ambition
