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Victor Osimhen explains why he is staying with Galatasaray’s number 45 shirt
Victor Osimhen has confirmed he will continue wearing Galatasaray’s number 45 shirt rather than take the club’s vacant number nine ahead of the new season.
The Super Eagles striker was widely expected to inherit the iconic number after it was left available by Mauro Icardi. However, Osimhen has kept the number 45 throughout Galatasaray’s pre-season preparations and says he has no intention of changing it.
The Nigerian forward explained that the shirt has brought him good fortune since he joined the Turkish champions, and that he wants to remain with the number associated with his success at Rams Park.
“I expect you’ll sell more shirts, but I think you’ll understand me. Number 45 brought me good luck at Galatasaray,” Osimhen said via Sabah.
“I want to continue with the same number,” and refused to take the number 9.
Osimhen completed a permanent move to Galatasaray last summer after initially impressing during a loan spell from Napoli. Since then, he has become one of the most important players in the squad and a firm favourite with the club’s supporters.
His performances for the Yellow-Reds led to strong speculation that he would take the number nine shirt, traditionally associated with a team’s main striker. Icardi had previously worn it, but its availability created the possibility of a change for the new campaign.
Osimhen has instead chosen to retain the number 45 jersey, which he had already worn during his time at Galatasaray. His decision means the club’s preparations will continue with the striker using the same number that accompanied his influential performances last season.
The 27-year-old recently opened his pre-season scoring account in Galatasaray’s 3-3 draw with Rennes in Istanbul. That match provided Osimhen with an opportunity to begin building his sharpness ahead of the competitive campaign.
Galatasaray will hope the forward can carry his form into the new season as they prepare to defend their status as Turkish champions. Osimhen, meanwhile, will be aiming to build on his display against Rennes and continue producing the goals and performances that have made him so popular in Istanbul.
