Former Napoli captain Kalidou Koulibaly has revealed the reason Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen chose to play for Galatasaray over Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 26-year-old joined the Turkish Super Lig side on loan ahead of the 2024/2025 season and made his impact felt for Okan Buruk's side.
Osimhen took home the League's Golden Boot Award, whilst helping the Cimbom Aslan to win the Turkish Super Lig and the League Cup.
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However, when the summer came, it was a tough decision for Osimhen to make as Al-Hilal submitted mouth-watering offers, all of which he turned down.
Instead, the 2023 CAF Player of the Year opted to pen a four-year deal with Galatasaray, choosing RAMS Park to be his home for the next four years.
Why Osimhen chose Galatasaray
Koulibaly won the Coppa Italia and the Italian Super Cup with Napoli before heading to Chelsea ahead of the 2022/2023 season – the same year Napoli won the league.
“There was a way to feel, I frankly illustrated our reality in Saudi Arabia to Osimhen,” the 34-year-old said in an interview with Gazzetta.It.
“I explained to him that there is a limited or distorted perception of football, where there are thick players, from Cristiano Ronaldo down.
“He explained to me that Istanbul enthusiastically welcomed him and his family, and that there are strong ambitions. He made his choice, and I wish him the best,” the ex-Chelsea man concluded.
