Striker Victor Osimhen expressed excitement about potentially hearing his name chanted by Galatasaray fans at the Ali Sami Yen Stadium.
Osimhen’s remarks came upon his arrival at Istanbul Airport early Tuesday morning, where thousands of enthusiastic Galatasaray supporters greeted him with drums and chants.
The 25-year-old Nigerian international is nearing completion of a season-long loan transfer from Napoli to Galatasaray.
Speaking to the fans, the Super Eagles player expressed excitement about the transfer, adding that “I am ready to give my best for them”.
“This is one of the best sets of fans in the world. It feels good to be here, and I am absolutely excited,” he said.
“Of course, I cannot wait to see them in the stadium, and I hear how they scream when I score. I am ready to give my best for them.”
Galatasaray reached an agreement with Napoli to sign Osimhen on loan on Monday.
The Turkish club are expected to pay the full salary of the Osimhen during the loan spell. However, they are not obligated to buy the striker once the season ends.
Before agreeing to the deal, Osimhen negotiated that Napoli scale down his release clause from €130 million to €75 million. The new clause will prove less cumbersome for clubs seeking to acquire the Nigerian’s service in future transfer windows.
The loan deal will end a summer-long transfer saga that had led to Napoli axing Osimhen from its squad for the season.
Although Chelsea and Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli initially wanted to sign the striker, the deals fell through.
Osimhen is expected to complete his medical at the club, and an official announcement will follow in the next few hours.
