Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen has lauded the Turkish champions as one of the three most passionate football clubs on the planet. During a candid feature with The Players’ Tribune titled “A Prayer From the Gutter,” the Nigerian superstar reflected on the overwhelming intensity of the atmosphere at Rams Park. To validate his claim, Osimhen recalled a specific conversation with Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk following their high-stakes UEFA Champions League encounter earlier this season, where the Dutch defender expressed his sheer amazement at the noise levels in Istanbul.
The 27-year-old striker explained that the emotional connection he shares with the “Cim-Bom” supporters influenced his decision to move to Turkey despite receiving more lucrative offers elsewhere. He described the reception he received—beginning with thousands of fans tracking his flight and meeting him at a private airport at midnight—as a feeling more valuable than financial gain. This deep-rooted bond continues to fuel his performances on the continental stage, where he recently played a pivotal role in a historic victory.
“Galatasaray is one of the top three clubs in the world in terms of passion,” Osimhen said. “If you don’t believe me, just go ask [Virgil] Van Dijk because after our match against Liverpool, he said to me, ‘What an atmosphere this is!’”
This revelation follows a spectacular European night for the Turkish giants, where Osimhen inspired Galatasaray to a resounding 5-2 win over Juventus in the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 playoff. On Tuesday, the Nigerian international dismantled the Italian side’s defense, providing two crucial assists to help his team secure a commanding advantage for the return leg in Turin. His selfless play and relentless work rate earned him widespread acclaim, further cementing his status as a fan favorite in a city that “lives football in a different way.”
As Galatasaray prepares for the decisive second leg on February 25, Osimhen’s comments underscore the formidable home advantage that Turkish clubs provide in European competition. The striker remains fully committed to the project under manager Okan Buruk, dismissing ongoing transfer speculation to focus on delivering more silverware to the Istanbul faithful. For Osimhen, the “Lion” symbol of the club perfectly matches his own journey of survival and ambition, creating a synergy that currently dominates the European headlines.
