Osimhen reacts to Galatasaray exit speculation after Chelle’s comments

Osimhen defended Chelle, saying the Malian never intended to create controversy and adding that his words were “taken out of context”.

By Kehinde Okeowo

Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen has urged the public to disregard speculation surrounding his exit from Turkish Süper Lig champions Galatasaray following recent comments by Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle.

He made the clarification on Sunday night in a now-trending post shared on his official Instagram page.

While explaining Osimhen’s absence from Nigeria’s upcoming international friendlies against Poland and Portugal this June, Chelle set tongues wagging on social media about the striker’s future at Galatasaray.

According to the Malian tactician, the 27-year-old Nigerian international requested to sit out of the squad to focus on a potential move.

Speaking to the press, Chelle said: “We miss two players because Victor Osimhen may be about to change clubs.”

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Reacting to the innuendos that greeted the comments, Osimhen disclosed that he had spoken directly with the Super Eagles manager to clarify the situation.

He went on to claim that Chelle has great respect for Galatasaray and follows most of their games, adding that the coach was quoted out of context.

Osimhen said: “I just got off the phone with Coach Éric Chelle regarding the comments about me in his recent interview.

“Unfortunately, his words have been taken out of context and blown out of proportion. He has great respect for Galatasaray, follows most of our games, and never intended to create any controversy.

“I appreciate the conversation, the opportunity to always represent my country, and I look forward to continuing to work with him. He is a great coach whom I respect a lot, and I kindly ask everyone to disregard the speculation surrounding this matter.”