Portuguese forward Rafael Leão has revealed that his close friendship with Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen played a role in his decision to join Galatasaray, with the attacker eager to reunite with the Nigerian in Turkey, NigeriaSoccernet.com can report.
Leão confirmed that Osimhen is a close friend and said their relationship influenced his choice as he looks forward to helping Galatasaray challenge for domestic and European honours.
“We had a meeting with Osimhen before the transfer. He’s a very good friend of mine,” Leão said in an interview with Forza Cimbom.
“Now we’re together, we’ll do good work, we’ll achieve beautiful things, and we’ll achieve big things for Galatasaray! We want to become champions; we want to rise high in Europe.”
Osimhen reportedly contacted Leão personally during the transfer window in an effort to convince the Portuguese star to choose Galatasaray ahead of interest from other European clubs, including Aston Villa.
The pair previously shared the pitch at French club Lille before becoming Serie A rivals in Italy.
Leão will now have the opportunity to link up with Osimhen again as Galatasaray pursue another Turkish Super Lig title and prepare for their Champions League campaign.
Osimhen has already made an explosive start to the new season, scoring and providing an assist in Galatasaray’s 3-2 comeback victory over Göztepe at RAMS Park on Saturday.
The Nigeria international has now scored five goals in three league appearances, underlining his importance to the Turkish champions.