Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen has revealed that he felt an instant connection with the Turkish giants the moment he touched down in Istanbul.
The passion of the fans, the atmosphere around the club, and the sense of belonging he experienced even before stepping on the pitch were key factors in his decision.
The Nigerian forward was particularly moved by the support of the Galatasaray faithful. Fans tracked his arrival and spectacularly welcomed him, creating a bond that left a lasting impression. For Osimhen, the emotional connection outweighed any financial considerations or prestige from other clubs.
“When I left Napoli, do you know how many people told me, ‘Do not go to Turkey. Are you crazy?’ A former agent even told me, ‘No, no, no. Don’t go there. It’s not a smart move.’ But I think with my heart. I wanted to play for Galatasaray. I wanted to go to a top three club in the world in terms of passion. Those are the kind of people who really understand me. When I spoke to Okan Buruk on the phone, before I signed, he told me, ‘I’m here to tell you that I personally, as a person and as a coach and as a father, I want you in my club. When the flight landed, there were 3,000 Gala fans waiting for me in the middle of the night. That feeling is worth more than money.”
The 25-year-old also highlighted personal happiness as a major motivator. He described feeling “very happy” at Galatasaray and emphasized the comfort he enjoys both on and off the pitch, something he believes is rare given the constant pressures top footballers face.
Interestingly, Osimhen revealed that he had other significant opportunities, including interest from European heavyweights like Juventus.
Yet, despite the allure of such clubs, he followed his heart, choosing the passion and connection he felt in Istanbul over mere prestige.
For Osimhen, the decision was simple: play where he feels understood, valued, and truly at home.