Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has revealed why he turned down the opportunity to wear Galatasaray’s famous number nine shirt, opting instead to retain the number 45 jersey he has worn since joining the Turkish champions.
Osimhen, who completed a permanent move to Galatasaray last summer after a successful loan spell from Napoli, said the number 45 has brought him good fortune and he wants to continue with the shirt that has served him well.
The Nigerian forward was expected to inherit Galatasaray’s No. 9 shirt, a number traditionally worn by leading attackers and previously associated with former club striker Mauro Icardi.
However, Osimhen chose to remain with the number that has become part of his identity at the Istanbul club.
According to Turkish sports outlet Sabah Spor, Osimhen said fans may prefer him to switch numbers because it could increase shirt sales, but he wanted to maintain his connection with the number 45.
“I believe you will sell more shirts, but I think you will understand my perspective. The number 45 has been lucky for me at Galatasaray,” he was quoted as saying.
“I want to continue with the same number,” he added.
Since joining Galatasaray permanently, Osimhen has established himself as one of the club’s most influential players, winning admiration from supporters with his goals and performances at Rams Park.
The striker recently opened his pre-season scoring account in Galatasaray’s 3-3 draw against Rennes in Istanbul as the club prepares for the new campaign.
Osimhen will now hope to continue his form as Galatasaray begin their title defence and prepare for another competitive season.
