Osimhen Explains Why He Rejected Galatasaray’s No. 9 Shirt
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has explained why he turned down the opportunity to wear Galatasaray’s iconic number nine shirt, opting to retain his familiar number 45 ahead of the new season.
Osimhen became a permanent Galatasaray player last summer after completing his move from Napoli following a successful loan spell. Since then, the Nigerian forward has established himself as one of the Turkish champions’ most important players with a string of impressive performances.
His impact at the club had fuelled speculation that he could take over the number nine shirt, which became available following the absence of Mauro Icardi. However, Osimhen has decided against the switch and will continue wearing the number 45 jersey during the new campaign.
The decision has now been explained by the Nigerian international, who said he has developed a strong connection with the number 45 since arriving at Rams Park.
“I believe that you will sell more shirts, but I believe you will understand my perspective. The number 45 has been lucky for me at Galatasaray,” Osimhen stated via Sabah.
The striker subsequently made it clear that he had no intention of changing the number despite the appeal of wearing the prestigious No. 9 shirt.
“I wish to continue with the same number,” he added, firmly declining the number 9.
Osimhen’s decision comes after he quickly became a fan favourite at Galatasaray following his permanent transfer from Napoli.
The Super Eagles star has already begun preparations for the new season and recently opened his preseason scoring account during Galatasaray’s 3-3 draw with Rennes in Istanbul.
PulseNets learnt that Osimhen is expected to remain a central figure in Galatasaray’s plans as the club prepares for another demanding campaign in Turkey and Europe.
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The Nigerian forward will now be looking to build on his early preseason form and maintain the level of performances that made him such an influential figure for the Turkish champions last season.
With Galatasaray aiming to defend their domestic success and compete strongly on the continental stage, Osimhen’s goals will remain crucial to the club’s ambitions.
