“I don’t care about being top scorer,” Super Eagles star Osimhen downplays personal ambition

• Osimhen confirms that Galatasaray was an easy decision to make, especially because his idol, Didier Drogba, was an ex-player 
• The Super Eagles forward claims that he initially intended to stay at Napoli until January before Galatasaray’s coach convinced him on a call
• Victor Osimhen also emphasised that he was careful in the last transfer window because he didn’t just want anybody deciding his future

Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has shed more light on the moment that shaped his future, stating that he “wouldn’t let anyone” dictate his career path. 

The Napoli star, currently on loan to Galatasaray, expressed his initial intentions to remain in Italy until January but revealed how one phone call changed everything, 

“The Galatasaray coach gave me a call, and it was truly convincing,” Osimhen disclosed. 

Osimhen, who joined Galatasaray after a series of negotiations with clubs like Al-Ahli, Chelsea, and PSG didn’t come to fruition, explained in detail the aftermath of the failed talks,

“I had plans to stay there and wait for three or four months and leave in January, but I think for me it was fair also to stay there because I wouldn’t let anyone decide for me, it was important for me to stay there since I didn’t get the deserved move that I really preferred.”

“When I received the call from the Galatasaray coach, it was really convincing. He said what he wanted to do this season and what he wanted to achieve. I could see what he had set for himself as a man, a coach, and a father. 

“I think I fit in this plan and coming to a team with already a lot of quality players with great ambition, as a footballer, it was easy to come,” Osimhen told reporters during a media briefing at Galatasaray’s training camp.

Upon arriving in Istanbul, Osimhen instantly felt at home, both on and off the pitch. “For me and my family, it was the right decision. Istanbul is an incredible city, and I’m genuinely happy with how everything turned out,” he said. 

The presence of top-quality players, coupled with the club’s warm reception, left him confident in his choice. Osimhen’s decision also had an emotional sentiment, as he followed in the footsteps of his idol, Didier Drogba, who previously played for the Turkish side.

Despite concerns about how he would cope playing alongside Mauro Icardi, Osimhen dispelled any doubts, 

“Icardi is a legend here. We’ve proven that we can work well together on the field, I want to help in both attack and defence. It’s not about being the best scorer; it’s about collective success.”

With two goals and four assists in his first four matches, Osimhen has already made his mark. His standout performance came against Kasımpaşa, where he netted two goals and celebrated alongside Icardi.

“I’m not a player who puts myself above the team,” Osimhen said, re-emphasising his commitment to Galatasaray’s team success.

Osimhen becomes most-followed Nigerian footballer on IG, here are the 9 most followed after him

Previously, TheRadar reported that Osimhen’s growing social media presence can be attributed to his electrifying performances for his new club, especially his assist run in his last three games. 

After his record-setting loan move to Galatasaray, Osimhen’s follower count surged dramatically, proving his growing popularity among fans around the world. Within two weeks of the transfer, the 25-year-old saw his Instagram followers increase by 848,000, making him Nigeria’s leading most-followed personality in football.