Galatasaray forward Rafael Leão has praised Victor Osimhen for giving him the chance to score his first goal for the Turkish champions, after the Nigerian striker handed him a penalty during their 4-0 victory over Konyaspor.
Osimhen had opened the scoring in the 12th minute on Friday and was in line to complete his brace when Galatasaray won a second-half penalty. However, the Super Eagles striker stepped aside and allowed Leão to take the spot-kick, which the Portuguese converted in the 55th minute.
Leão, who joined Galatasaray from AC Milan in the summer, said he appreciated Osimhen’s gesture, particularly because the Nigerian understood how much he wanted to score his first goal for the club.
“I really appreciate that moment. He knew I’ve been working a lot and searching for my first goal,” Leão said in an interview with Galatasaray’s YouTube channel.
The former AC Milan forward also revealed that he had encouraged Osimhen to score twice, especially as the striker had recently welcomed his second child.
“We were speaking, and today or yesterday was the birth of his second child. I told him to score two goals,” he said.
“He could have scored the second goal, but he gave me the ball. It’s about the kind of attitude we have, so we have a great group.
“I am really happy to have this kind of teammate in the squad.”
Osimhen has maintained his impressive scoring form, finding the net against Konyaspor after scoring twice in Galatasaray’s 2-1 derby victory over Fenerbahçe earlier in the week.
Leão’s goal also ended his wait for a first strike since joining the Turkish side, with the Portuguese expressing delight at the support he has received from his teammates.
