Super Eagles star, Victor Osimhen, was greeted by a sea of passionate fans and a swarm of media personnel as he landed in Istanbul on Wednesday night, marking a key step in his long-anticipated switch to Turkish giants Galatasaray.
Accompanied by his wife and daughter, the Nigeria international appeared overwhelmed yet thrilled by the reception, underscoring his eagerness to join the Super Lig champions.
“I don’t know how to describe my feelings. I’m so excited, I’ve arrived at the place I love,” Osimhen expressed with visible emotion.
“I’m at home and I’m very happy. I’m happy to be back here. I thank the president, the vice president, George Gardi and Okan Buruk. I thank the fans who wanted me.
“I’m happy to continue with Galatasaray. My story continues.”
The striker is set to ink a four-year deal with the Istanbul-based club, who have fought hard behind the scenes to secure his signature.
Galatasaray Vice President Abdullah Kavukcu shed light on the effort it took to bring Osimhen on board.
“My president and I believed in this and started it in January. We worked hard to raise the money, without selling anything,” Kavukcu revealed.
“We’re paying a certain portion upfront and will cover the entire amount within a year. We said Galatasaray had the capacity to pay this, and we did it.”
He continued, “The final signings will be finalized on Thursday. Some people called us PR people. We expect those who did will pay us. The responsibility now falls on our fans.
“Galatasaray is huge! We achieved this without asking anyone for money. As for the other transfers, the fans should remain calm, believe in us, and trust us.”
With the final paperwork expected to be completed on Thursday, Osimhen’s arrival marks a major statement of intent from Galatasaray ahead of the new season.