‘I could have joined Juventus’ – Osimhen

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has disclosed that he nearly signed for Juventus before completing his permanent transfer to Galatasaray, ahead of both sides’ UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-off clash on Tuesday.

Osimhen joined the Turkish champions from Napoli last summer after an impressive loan spell, and he has maintained his strong form this season with 15 goals and three assists in 22 appearances across all competitions.

The 27-year-old has also delivered on the European stage, scoring six goals in six UEFA Champions League matches and moving within reach of Galatasaray’s record for most goals in a single Champions League campaign. The current mark stands at eight goals.

Read Also: Victor Osimhen Eyes Galatasaray Champions League Record Against Juventus

Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport ahead of the first leg at RAMS Park, Osimhen said a move to Juventus had once been close, but confirmed the transfer was eventually prevented from going through.

“I could have joined Juventus, yes. Juve wanted to sign me but Napoli president De Laurentiis didn’t want to sell me to Juventus,” the striker revealed. “For sure, Juventus are a top club. When Juventus call you, you listen,” he added.

Despite the missed opportunity, Osimhen expressed his deep affection for his current club and surroundings in Istanbul.

“I am at a club and city I absolutely love. I’ve been lucky to find Galatasaray on my way. There’s nothing similar to Gala and the love from the fans.”

Osimhen enjoyed immediate success in his first season with the Turkish giants, leading them to both the Turkish Super Lig and Turkish Cup titles. Now, his focus has shifted to continental ambitions.

“We did great in Türkey. Now it’s time to show our quality in Europe,” he said.

Galatasaray will host Juventus at RAMS Park on Wednesday for the first leg of the play-off tie, with the decisive return fixture scheduled to take place in Turin next week.

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