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Super Eagles manager Eric Chelle has clarified his previous comments regarding a possible move for Victor Osimhen away from Galatasaray during the summer transfer window.
The Malian tactician had explained during the June international window that the former Napoli striker was left out of the squad to resolve issues surrounding his future.
Chelle has now clarified the remarks, insisting that his response was taken out of context by the media.
Speaking after the Super Eagles’ 3-3 draw against Russia, Chelle revealed that Osimhen is happy in Istanbul, adding that speculation over the striker’s future is normal.
“Regarding my earlier comments about a possible transfer, they were misinterpreted. Viktor likes Galatasaray, and the club is happy with Viktor,” Chelle told RFU
“I consider him one of the best strikers in the world. When a player performs at such a level, there’s always talk of transfers around him. I never said he wanted or should leave the club.”
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He further disclosed that Osimhen’s failure to fully recover from his injury was the reason behind his absence from the national team, despite an agreement with Galatasaray for the striker to join the squad if he regained fitness in time.
“About 10-15 days before the international break, Victor got injured. We agreed that if he recovered and played for Galatasaray before the international break, the club would let him join us. But he couldn’t play in that game because he hadn’t recovered yet,” Chelle said.
He added that Victor was included on the initial squad list because there was uncertainty over whether he would recover in time, stressing that there was no conflict between the player, Galatasaray and the national team.
“We included him on the initial list because at that point we didn’t know whether he would have time to recover. There is no conflict between the player, the club, or the national team,” Chelle concluded.
Despite the comment, Osimhen remained at Galatasaray and continued his impressive form with a strong start to the campaign before suffering an injury.
