Victor Osimhen, striker for Galatasaray, explained why he refused the club’s captain armband from teammate İlkay Gündoğan during their 3-1 Turkish Super Lig victory over Alanyaspor on Saturday.
Osimhen scored and assisted in the win, helping Galatasaray extend its lead at the top of the league to five points.
Midfielder Lucas Torreira initially led Galatasaray onto the pitch wearing the captain’s armband. Torreira handed it to Gündoğan after being substituted in the second half, who in turn offered it to Osimhen.
However, Osimhen declined the armband and insisted that the 35-year-old German wear it.
Speaking in a post-match interview, the Nigerian international said: “Ilkay is someone I respect very much, someone very valuable to me. He is an incredible person. He’s both calm and motivating. He’s visionary.
“It felt strange when he brought me the captain’s armband. I gave it back to him so he could lead us. He helps us every time he comes into the game. He’s someone who deserves love.”