Forward Victor Osimhen has opened up about his decision to leave Napoli for Galatasaray, stating that he was prepared to stay with the Italian club’s reserves if the Turkish side had not offered him a transfer.

Speaking to Turkish media TRT Spor, Osimhen explained that despite transfer negotiations with Al-Ahli, Chelsea, and PSG falling through during the summer window, he was determined to control his own future.

“I had plans to stay [at Napoli] and wait for three or four months, possibly leaving in January, but I wasn’t going to let anyone decide for me,” Osimhen said. “It was important for me to stay since I didn’t get the move I really wanted.”

Osimhen, 25, joined Galatasaray in September, and revealed the turning point came when he received a call from the coach.

“When the Galatasaray coach called, it was really convincing. He told me what he wanted to achieve this season, and I could see his ambitions not just as a coach, but also as a person and a father.

“I felt I fit into his plans, and coming to a team with so much quality and ambition made it an easy decision,” Osimhen revealed.

Victor Osimhen celebrates Galatasaray’s win on his debut. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)

Osimhen also praised Galatasaray’s professionalism and the city of Istanbul.

“Coming to a city like Istanbul, one of the best in the world, made it easy. So far, I’m really happy with my decision, and I want to contribute and win something important here,” he concluded.